Ontario judge apologizes for wearing Make America Great Again hat in court
Posted November 15, 2016 11:29 am.
Last Updated November 15, 2016 12:41 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
An Ontario judge who came under fire for wearing a Donald Trump “Make America Great Again” hat in court has apologized for his behaviour, calling it a “lapse in judgment.”
The Hamilton TV station CHCH reports that Judge Bernd Zabel went into court today solely to express his regrets, and issued an apology to the courts, the bar and his colleagues.
He also said his gesture was not intended as a political statement.
“What I did was wrong,” he said. “I wish to apologize for my misguided attempt to mark a moment in history by humour in the courtroom, following the surprising result in the United States election. This gesture was not intended in any way as a political statement or endorsement of any political views and in particular the views and comments of Donald trump.”
It was the first time the judge has appeared in court since the incident was reported last week.
“I apologize for any offense or hurt caused by my thoughtlessness,” he added. “I acknowledge that wearing the hat is a breach of the principals of judicial office and was a lapse in judgement that I sincerely regret.”
Over the weekend, a Hamilton city councillor called for the judge to resign or be removed from the bench, saying the move could undermine public faith in the judicial system.
The Hamilton Spectator has reported that a complaint against Zabel has been filed with the Ontario Judicial Council.
