Following Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appearance in a “queer” Broadway adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” concerns have been raised about how this may impact her neutrality as the court deliberates on a significant case involving the prohibition of transgender surgeries for minors.
Heritage Foundation senior legal counsel Thomas Jipping expressed reservations, stating, “Engaging in activities that align with a particular ideology on issues that could come before the court undermines impartiality and gives the appearance of impropriety, especially when participating in an advocacy production like this”
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The production, “& Juliet,” explores LGBTQ+ themes and features nonbinary characters, diverging from Shakespeare’s original plot to challenge traditional gender norms and tell a modern love story.
Jackson joined the cast for a special performance alongside TikTok star Charli D’Amelio and other Broadway talents at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre in New York City.
“& Juliet” debuted in London in 2019 and later came to Broadway in 2022, captivating audiences with its innovative take on a classic tale.
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Activists protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court before the start of the United States v. Skrmetti case on Dec. 4, 2024. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
Instances of ethical concerns involving Supreme Court justices have sparked debates on judicial oversight, particularly in cases where personal affiliations may influence decisions.
Jipping highlighted the need for impartiality in judicial conduct, emphasizing the importance of upholding public trust in the judiciary.
During her performance in “& Juliet,” Jackson celebrated diversity and empowerment, marking a historic moment as the first Black female Supreme Court justice to grace a Broadway stage.
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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson had a walk-on role in Broadway’s “& Juliet.” (Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Atlantic | Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Jipping emphasized the importance of judges maintaining impartiality and avoiding potential conflicts of interest, citing this as a significant breach of judicial norms.
Historically, Supreme Court justices have engaged in artistic pursuits, with Justices Scalia and Ginsburg participating as supernumeraries in an opera production, showcasing a blend of personal interests and professional identities.
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The recent U.S. v. Skrmetti case at SCOTUS could influence future legal battles on transgender rights, with a decision anticipated by mid-2025 following oral arguments and deliberations.
The Supreme Court declined to comment on the matter when approached by Fox News Digital.
Contributions to this report were made by Fox News Digital’s Peter Pinedo.
