Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson shocked the audience at Broadway's &Juliet this past weekend as she 'fulfilled a lifelong dream' to make her debut - but it has led to some less than stellar reviews.
Jackson appeared in three scenes on Saturday night - singing in harmony during the Backstreet Boys song 'Show Me The Meaning of Being Lonely.'
By stepping into the limelight, Justice Jackson, the first black woman to sit on the court, also inadvertently invited criticism and skepticism about her dedication to maintaining the court’s revered image.
Jackson had previously told of her dream of 'becoming the first Black, female Supreme Court Justice to appear on a Broadway stage', but it has now led to some on social media to question if she is in the wrong role when it comes to her day job.
'She should have just been an actress,' stated one user on X.
'Tells you everything about this woman. Broadway is a bigger deal than the Supreme Court,' added another.
'If you needed proof Ketanji Brown Jackson does not belong on the Supreme Court, here it is. Absolutely disgraceful that she did this. Shame on her and on those who confirmed her,' stated conservative radio host Eric Metaxas.
Retired sheriff's deputy Penny Farrington agreed that Jackson performed better on stage than in court: 'She is far better suited in this role....instead of an Honorable Justice of the Supreme Court.
Justice Jackson's performance has led to some less than stellar reviews
A number of users posting on social media suggested Judge Jackson stick to the courtroom than the stage
'She doesn't know what a woman is...how can she know about queer woman is? Maybe she will change professions after this...we can only hope,' Farrington wrote, bringing up a controversial exchange in March 2022 when Jackson struggled to define a gender type.
It was during her senate nomination process when a back and forth exchange with Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn that Justice Jackson appeared unable to give a definitive answer on how she defines a 'woman'.
'Can you define the word ''woman''?' she was asked by Blackburn.
'Can I provide a definition?' Jackson replied. 'No, I can't. I'm not a biologist.'
Cruz later took the stand to hound her on similar gender issues.
'I know that I am a woman, I know that Senator Blackburn is a woman,' she responded. 'And the woman who I admire most in the world is in the room today – my mother,' still not giving a definition of the word 'woman.'
Those commenting on social media following Saturday's performance appeared concerned about the long-term reputation of the court.
'Seems very undignified for a Supreme Court Justice,' wrote one commenter.
'To be fair, she seems to be a much better actress than a judge,' quipped another.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson shocked the audience at Broadway's &Juliet
Many of those commenting said they believed Justice Jackson might be better as a full-time actress than sitting on the Supreme Court
The following day, Jackson still didn't give a straight answer, replying: 'I know that I am a woman, I know that Senator Blackburn is a woman. And the woman who I admire most in the world is in the room today – my mother'
When asked by CBS News if she considered what people would say by appearing in the show, Jackson replied that other Justices have done 'somewhat similar things.'
She added: 'I also think it's important to remind people that Justices are human beings, that we have dreams, and that we are public servants, and we're not so detached from the people that we serve.'
Jackson opened up about her love of musical theater in September as she promoted her memoir, Lovely One.
The liberal Justice has previously revealed that she was a scene partner to Oscar-winner Matt Damon during their time in Harvard.
In an interview with Gayle King, Jackson ably crooned a few lines from The Wiz and threw in a favorite chant from Schoolhouse Rock.
Indeed, other social media users agreed that her performance itself wasn't that bad.
'And when you listen to oral arguments, it's obvious she's been rehearsing for the wrong show,' joked one.
'It’s probably best she takes this up full-time and leaves the bench,' suggested a Trump supporter on X.
Others appeared frustrated at the perceived lack of decorum Jackson was showing the court by appearing on stage.
'So we now have judges that moonlight as actors? Why can’t our government have serious leadership?' tweeted one. 'Would she have been in a play if she wasn’t a justice? It’s like she used her position to get a role. Not a good look.'
Others continued to pile on their criticism of Jackson taking part in such a stunt.
Others continued to pile on their criticism of Jackson taking part in such a stunt.
The conservative-majority court is currently on its Christmas break until January 10
Jackson's stunt comes against the backdrop of low public trust in the Supreme Court. She is pictured alongside President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris
'What an embarrassment to the SCOTUS! The dignity of the court was ruined by a DEI', wrote one.
'How undignified. DEI appointment,' wrote a second.
'Can Congress just impeach her and get someone more qualified?' pleaded another.
'Oh my god how cringe...... I can't believe she doesn't have family and friends who tell her how stupid she looks,' stated one user bluntly.
Jackson's stunt comes against the backdrop of low public trust in the Supreme Court, and continued debate about whether its newly adopted code of ethics should have an enforcement mechanism.
The conservative-majority court is currently on its Christmas break until January 10.
