A judge has ruled that supporters of Madison Brooks, a slain Louisiana State University student, may wear pink to the trial of her alleged rapist, Desmond Carter. The decision came after defense attorneys for Carter filed a motion in June requesting the color be banned from the courtroom.
Carter's lawyers argued that Brooks' friends and family have repeatedly worn pink, which was Brooks' favorite color, to previous hearings in an effort to intimidate the jury and create a "carnival atmosphere." They contended this violated Carter's right to a fair trial.
Judge Gail Ray denied the motion to ban the color pink. However, the judge ruled that t-shirts featuring Brooks' picture, as well as signs and badges, will be prohibited in the courtroom. Carter is charged with the sexual assault of Brooks, which occurred just before her death in 2023. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 17.