This is strange.
In a spectacle that has captured the attention of many, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recently traded her black robes for Broadway lights, making her stage debut in the musical & Juliet, a modern, progressive reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet. Jackson, who was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 by President Joe Biden, used her brief, one-time appearance in the sold-out musical to fulfill a lifelong dream of appearing on Broadway. But her performance raises questions about the priorities of a Supreme Court justice—especially one who has already attracted significant attention for her controversial statements on issues of gender.
During her time in the spotlight, Jackson portrayed Queen Mab, a character described as “she/her” in promotional materials. The character is part of a musical that explores themes of gender fluidity and empowerment, with a storyline where Juliet, instead of succumbing to suicide after the death of Romeo, embarks on a journey to Paris, encountering a love triangle that challenges traditional ideas of romance and identity. Jackson, who once famously told the Senate she could not define what a “woman” is because she’s not a biologist, seemed to embrace the modern themes of the play. In a video posted by the musical’s social media account, she could be heard shouting “Female empowerment! Sick!”
While some have praised her for pursuing her dreams, others might question the timing of this performance. Jackson is serving a lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land, with a duty to interpret the law and uphold the Constitution. Her role in a musical that challenges traditional gender norms might be seen as more about personal flair than legal acumen. It’s also worth noting that her performance occurred after the high court had wrapped up its last set of oral arguments for the year, but before arguments resume in the coming month. Was this a well-deserved break, or a distraction from her serious responsibilities?
Justice Jackson’s Broadway appearance speaks to her deep love of theater, something she has openly expressed throughout her career, including in her memoir Lovely One. But for many, it’s hard not to wonder whether such a high-profile cameo—complete with the promotion of progressive social narratives—serves as a reminder of how far removed some of today’s judicial elites are from the everyday concerns of average Americans. While Jackson was undoubtedly having fun, the fact remains: Supreme Court justices are meant to reflect the constitutional values that form the bedrock of American society. And those values are not always aligned with the progressive causes popular in Broadway circles today.
Justice Jackson’s Broadway debut was a celebration of personal achievement, but as an associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, her priorities should always remain rooted in upholding the Constitution and ensuring the rule of law is applied fairly to all. The public may continue to cheer on her foray into theater, but we must also ask: Is this what we expect from those entrusted with interpreting the Constitution?