Louisiana judge who used racist slurs takes leave

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LAFAYETTE, Louisiana (AP) – A Louisiana judge will take unpaid leave of absence after repeatedly using a racial slur in a video recorded at her home and posted to social media.

The video, which sparked an uproar in the community, shows a television set at the home of Lafayette City Court judge Michelle Odinet, displaying security footage of what appears to be a foiled burglary. Racist laughter and slurs are heard by viewers – who are not visible on camera – as they watch two people capture the suspect.

Odinet’s attorney, Dane Ciolinio, confirmed to The Acadiana Advocate that the judge used a racial insult. Ciolino said the judge felt “humiliated, embarrassed and sorry” for the harm she had caused the community.

“What’s going on in the long term is something she’s going to think about in the coming weeks,” Ciolino said on Wednesday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Odinet confirmed the video was recorded at her home, but said she took a sedative at the time and had “no recollection of the video and the disturbing language used. during this “.

A 59-year-old black man has been arrested and charged with the burglary, which occurred early on Saturday, police said.

The video sparked numerous calls in the community for the judge’s resignation. The president of the Lafayette chapter of the NAACP, Michael Toussaint, and the Louisiana legislative black caucus were among those who called for his resignation.

According to The Advocate, private citizens and community organizers filed complaints with the Louisiana Judicial Commission starting Tuesday morning and at least one Lafayette law firm has asked Odinet to recuse itself from two of their cases. accused.

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