A pink sticker bearing the hashtag '#sidebah' affixed to Lindsay Clancy's wheelchair has become a point of contention, with legal experts warning it could be perceived negatively by a deadlocked jury. The sticker, appearing to be a reference to the Boston accent pronunciation of 'sidebar' by Clancy's lawyer, Kevin Reddington, has gained traction online as a meme during the high-profile trial.
Clancy's supporters outside the courthouse have described the sticker as an affectionate inside joke and tribute to Reddington, who has become a notable figure among those supporting the accused child murderer. However, legal analysts suggest the detail could backfire.
"A trial about the deaths of three children is not the place for jokes," said Florida-based attorney Andrea Lewis. "Jurors see everything and may view that as a sign that she is not taking the trial seriously. That is an enormous risk to take when your life is literally on the line."
California legal analyst Neama Rahmani, while not involved in the case, noted that such details can be scrutinized by jurors. "Fairly or unfairly, jurors are constantly observing the Lindsay and forming impressions from everything they see," Rahmani stated.
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The jury of nine women and three men has deliberated for six days without reaching a unanimous verdict, reportedly with an 11-1 split. Clancy is accused of murdering her three young children in January 2023, admitting to the killings but claiming she was under the influence of severe postpartum psychosis. She is paralyzed from the waist down following a suicide attempt after the deaths.
The phrase '#sidebah' reportedly originated on TikTok and gained widespread attention during the high-profile Karen Read murder trial before becoming popular in Clancy's case. Supporters view Reddington as an "unlikely folk hero" and praise his legal acumen.
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Despite some viewing the sticker as harmless, others are concerned about its potential implications. "Does she think that’s all a joke?!" one social media user questioned. Another described the sticker as "absolutely disgusting."
Adding to the trial's drama, the jury foreperson sent a note to Judge William Sullivan indicating that one juror was not following the law regarding reasonable doubt. Clancy's lawyer requested the juror be removed, but the request was denied. The jury was sent home for the evening and is scheduled to continue deliberations.
Rahmani cautioned that if the case leads to a mistrial and retrial, prosecutors could potentially use the sticker to argue Clancy was not taking the proceedings seriously. "You could potentially raise it in opening or closing: she's not taking it seriously, she thinks this is a joke," he said, adding that such an argument could also be relevant during sentencing.
Rahmani also praised the defense's performance, noting that he had initially considered the case an "easy win" for the prosecution given the rarity of successful insanity defenses. "As the case progressed... I predicted either a not criminally responsible [verdict] or a hung jury. That's how well the defense has done in this case."
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