After Video of Racial Slurs, Judge Michelle Odinet Asks for ‘Forgiveness.’

Lafayette City Court Judge Michelle Odinet asked for “understanding, forgiveness, patience, and prayers” for her and her son as requests for her resignation grow after a video recorded inside Odinet’s home and containing racial slurs was circulated Monday.

On the video, her family gathered to watch home security footage of an armed burglary that took place Saturday in their driveway.

The clip, where a voice is heard saying, “And mom’s yelling n—–, n—–,” to which another female voice answered: “We have a n—–, It’s a n—–, like a roach,” has prompted local officials and community organizers to express concern over Odinet’s rulings since she was elected in 2020.

“As a proud Black man, and the Lafayette City Marshal, I strongly believe Judge Odinet should be held accountable” for the words on the video, Lafayette City Marshall Reggie Thomas said Tuesday.

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It’s not clear who recorded the clip or who is speaking. But in a text message sent to The Advocate on Tuesday morning, Odinet said she had “zero recollection of the video” and the disturbing language used on it.

“The situation highlighted and confirmed a suspected substance abuse issue our son is having,” she said. {snip}

Sen. Gerald Boudreaux called the situation and the comments reprehensible, offensive and unacceptable from anyone serving as a judge.

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Boudreaux said he will officially petition the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana to investigate the ethical conduct and actions associated with the incident.

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On Monday, Michael Toussaint, NAACP president called for Odinet’s resignation. {snip}