Ketanji Brown Jackson Draws Criticism Over Essence Cover as Justice Defends Public Outreach
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 6
Ketanji Brown Jackson Draws Criticism Over Essence Cover as Justice Defends Public Outreach
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 6
Summary
Essence’s latest cover put Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson front and center as “the people’s champion,” triggering criticism that a sitting Supreme Court justice is courting celebrity-style publicity.
Critics from conservative, libertarian and even progressive circles said the image and slogan blur the line between judging and politics, with some arguing it underscores the need for a stronger Supreme Court ethics code.
Jackson has already faced similar scrutiny over attending the 2026 Grammy Awards, where she said she appeared because her audiobook memoir was nominated.
In a February interview, Jackson defended such appearances as part of “public outreach and education” during the court’s recess, while the episode revived debate over how visible justices should be outside the bench.
Other justices have also faced scrutiny over outside income, travel and public profiles, and past magazine covers featuring Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2015 and Sonia Sotomayor in 2009 show the issue extends beyond Jackson.