Florida Judge Under Fire for Asking Domestic Violence Suspect About Cooking Advice
Broward County Judge Allison Gilman's exchange with a defendant accused of battery has drawn criticism from domestic violence advocates.
A Florida judge is facing backlash after engaging a domestic violence suspect in a conversation about cooking, including how to grill a perfect steak, during a court appearance.
Broward County Judge Allison Gilman asked Christopher Johnson, who was in court for a bond hearing on a domestic battery charge, about his culinary skills. Johnson, who works as a chef, was arrested for allegedly pulling his ex-girlfriend’s hair and punching her, resulting in a busted lip.
Video footage obtained by WSVN captured Gilman asking Johnson, "If you were going to cook me a dish, what would it be?" Johnson responded that he would start with "steak on the grill." The judge then proceeded to discuss her own difficulties with grilling steak, stating, "I either burn it on the outside and then it’s not cooked enough on the inside, or I just overcook it." Johnson appeared to offer advice on grilling techniques.
Gilman set Johnson's bond at $1,500 and remarked on his ability to afford it given his apparent cooking skills. She also mentioned she would have to visit the restaurant where he works. Johnson was released on bond and ordered to have no contact with the victim.
Domestic violence advocates have criticized the judge's line of questioning. Dr. Linda Parker, CEO of Women in Distress, called the conversation inappropriate given the severity of the allegations. "Turn the steak? What? We’re talking about steak in a domestic violence case? It just tells survivors, ‘I may not get the justice that I need,’" Parker told WSVN. "This is not indicative of how this should look at all and I hope that something gets said to the judge."
According to court records, Johnson has a prior arrest for aggravated battery involving the same woman when she was pregnant with their child.
Gilman, who was elected to the Broward County Court bench in 2020, has had other food-related exchanges in court. Earlier this month, while presiding over an unrelated case, she joked about her "shrimp-making abilities."