A Black judge in Detroit threatened to jail a white defendant who audaciously called him a “f—–g d–k” during an on-camera proceeding in which the court had just dismissed the man’s case for having an invalid registration.
Judge Sean B. Perkins scolded Michael Wayne Gowens after the ungrateful defendant apparently forgot to turn his mic off before he insulted Perkins on camera.
“Guy’s a f—–g d–k, bro,” Gowens said brazenly after the judge granted him a reprieve.
Perkins, who’s gained a reputation for his no-nonsense approach while presiding on the 36th District Court since 2021, stopped short of jailing Gowens but excoriated the defendant for his outrageous remarks after the judge dismissed the man’s case just moments before.
Flummoxed by what he heard, Judge Perkins sat up in his chair and exclaimed, “Who was that? What was that?”
Video from the January hearing has since gone viral on social media, showing Gowens as he provided valid documentation for his vehicle but then spoke foolishly about the judge, thinking he had already turned his camera off.
Realizing his mistake, Gowens initially tried to play it off as if his phone had somehow malfunctioned, but the judge was already furious.
“You’re going to be in contempt of court, Mr. Gowens. I’m going to give you another court date,” Perkins said angrily, pointing at the defendant with his ink pen.
“I heard your comments, sir,” Perkins said, putting Gowens on the spot.
The defendant rolled his eyes as he admitted what he said, saying “I know sir, I’m sorry.”
Initially, the judge repeatedly urged Gowens to come back on camera after he ducked away momentarily, clearly embarrassed that he got caught.
“I heard what you said,” Perkins said sternly. “Too bad you didn’t say that after you left the room.”
The judge kept Gowens on the hot seat for several minutes, making him admit to what he said while ordering him to repeat the disrespectful phrase for…
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