A judge in New Jersey is under investigation for allegedly lip-syncing controversial texts on TikTok
A New Jersey judge used a pseudonym to post TikTok videos of lip-synching rap and pop songs with controversial lyrics, at times in court robes and inside the courthouse, court conduct shows Complaint.
Supreme Court Justice Gary N. Wilcox, who is in his late 50s, posted about 40 videos under the name “Sal Tortorella” from April 11, 2021 to March 4, according to the New Jersey Supreme Court Advisory Committee’s Complaint Court Conduct was submitted on Friday. Wilcox’s posts are public and not in a private setting, the complaint said. According to the complaint, the posts undermined public confidence in the judiciary and violated judicial rules.
The complaint also said many of the videos contained references to violence, sex and misogyny, and in one comment the judges “lay in bed partially clothed.”
In one video, Wilcox was in his judge’s rooms with law books behind him. Wearing a suit and tie, he lip-synched the following text. The complaint said, “All my life I’ve been waiting for someone to beat my ass.” I mean it! Do you think you can run at me and spank my ass? light up. light up!”
In another video, Wilcox wore a “Beavis and Butt-Head” t-shirt as he walked through the courthouse while rapper Nas played “Get Down.” The song, the complaint said, contained derogatory lyrics and contained gang and drug references, including the killing of a doctor who was treating a gang member.
In one post, Wilcox wore a “Freedom of Speech” T-shirt and lip-synched to a song about cognac spilling on a $200 suit, the complaint said.
According to the complaint, Wilcox has practiced law in New Jersey since 1989 and works in Bergen County. He attended Harvard Law School.
Wilcox and his attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
Northjersey.com Wilcox reportedly has 20 days to submit a written or formal response to the complaint, but that deadline could be extended. Upon receipt of a response, the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct will schedule a formal hearing.
The committee may issue private disciplinary action or request the state Supreme Court to issue public disciplinary action, which may range from admonition, censure, suspension, or impeachment State Complaints Procedure.
Madelyn Urabe contributed.
