A New Jersey judge used an alias to post TikTok videos lip-syncing to rap and pop songs with controversial lyrics, and did so, at times, while wearing court clothes and in court, according to court conduct. complaint.
Superior Court Judge Gary N. Wilcox, who is in his early 50s, posted about 40 videos under the name “Sal Tortorella” from April 11, 2021, to March 4, according to the Committee’s complaint. Counsel to the New Jersey Supreme Court on Judicial Conduct filed Friday. Wilcox’s posts were public and not in a private setting, according to the complaint. The posts undermined public confidence in the judiciary and violated court rules, according to the complaint.
The complaint also said that many of the videos included references to violence, sex and misogyny, with one post including the judge “partially clothed while lying in bed.”
In one video, Wilcox was in his judge’s office with law books behind him. He wore a suit and tie and lip-synched to the next lyric, the complaint read: “All my life, I’ve been waiting for someone to kick my ass. I mean business! You think you can run me over and spank my monkey ass? Come on. Come on!”
In another video, Wilcox wore a “Beavis and Butt-Head” T-shirt as he walked through the courthouse to rapper Nas’ “Get Down” playing. The song, according to the complaint, contained derogatory lyrics and made gang and drug references including killing a doctor who treated a gang member.
In one post, Wilcox wore a “Free Speech” T-shirt and lip-synched to a song that referred to spilling cognac on a $200 suit, according to the complaint.
Wilcox has been practicing law in New Jersey since 1989 and works in Bergen County, according to the complaint. He attended Harvard Law School.
Wilcox and his attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
northjersey.com reported that Wilcox has 20 days to file a written or formal response to the lawsuit, although that time could be extended. After receiving a response, the Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct will schedule a formal hearing.
The committee may issue private disciplinary measures, or may request the state Supreme Court to issue public disciplinary measures, which may range from reprimand, censure, suspension, or removal from office, depending on the state complaint procedures.
Madelyn Urabe contributed.
