Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has recently disclosed in her financial report that she received four tickets to Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour in 2023. The tickets, gifted by Beyoncé herself, were valued at $3,711.84 in total. This revelation confirmed Justice Jackson’s membership in the BeyHive, showcasing her appreciation for the music icon’s work. The high value of the tickets suggests that Justice Jackson enjoyed a premium view of the concert, with each ticket averaging around $927.
Artwork Gifts for Chambers and Private Office
Aside from the Beyoncé concert tickets, Justice Jackson also acknowledged receiving $10,000 worth of artwork from Lonnie Holley to decorate her Chambers. Additionally, Dr. Kathi Earles-Ross and HU Scholars gifted her $2,500 in artwork for her private office. These gifts reflect the appreciation and admiration shown towards Justice Jackson through artistic expressions, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of her workspaces.
In light of the recent scrutiny faced by Supreme Court Justices regarding the gifts they receive, Justice Jackson’s disclosure of the Beyoncé tickets and artwork gifts adds to the ongoing conversation. While Justice Clarence Thomas has garnered attention for reportedly accepting over 100 gifts valued at more than $2.4 million between 2004 and 2023, his 2023 report shows a significant decrease in gift acceptance. Justice Thomas disclosed only receiving two photo albums worth $2,000 last year, marking a shift in his gift acceptance practices.
Interestingly, several Supreme Court Justices, including John G. Roberts, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil M. Gorsuch, Brett M. Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett, did not disclose any gifts in their reports for 2023. However, some Justices listed book royalties as income, showcasing alternative sources of financial gain. Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr.’s report was missing, as he had previously requested an extension for submission.
Overall, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s disclosure of expensive gifts highlights the complexities surrounding the acceptance of gifts by Supreme Court Justices. The varying approaches taken by different Justices in disclosing gifts underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the judicial system. As the discussions continue, it remains crucial for Justices to uphold ethical standards and ensure the integrity of their financial disclosures.
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