Lawyer Gets Slammed After Using Racist Slur Against a Black Veteran Attorney at Custody Trial
Texas lawyer Michael Phillips used racist slurs against a Black attorney — and paid for it publicly. Discover the confrontation nobody saw coming.
Content Warning: The article mentions instances of hate speech. A Texas attorney is facing brutal public backlash after being accused of repeatedly using a racial slur during a court trial. The incident sparked heated discussions on professional ethics and equality beyond the courtroom.
Brazoria County attorney Michael M. Phillips was slammed after allegedly using the n-word multiple times during a May 5 custody and modification trial involving Black attorney Brenda DeRouren. The judge condemned Phillips' demeanor and held him in contempt of court. The comments were made during proceedings with a jury present. "I was deeply disturbed by the conduct during the proceedings when opposing counsel repeatedly used a racial slur in open court under the guise of ‘evidence,’ despite the manner and context having no legitimate evidentiary purpose," DeRouren said.
The veteran Texas family court attorney raised concerns about racial discrimination and highlighted the gender bias that women attorneys face in the courtroom. “Attorneys should be able to advocate fiercely for their clients without being subjected to racially charged conduct that undermines professionalism and dignity in the courtroom,” DeRouren added.
View this post on InstagramFollowing the incident, activist Quanell X and Dr. Candace Matthews approached Phillips outside the Texas courthouse. The activists appeared furious as they demanded accountability, accusing the attorney of racist and intimidating behavior toward a Black woman during legal proceedings. According to the viral video, Matthews appeared to reference his alleged language as Phillips walked through a hallway. She did so in a mocking tone tied to the trial remarks.
Phillips "didn't have much to say." "What is your name?" Phillips asked. As Quanell X answered, he condemned Phillips' racial comments and warned him not to intimidate Black women in professional and legal spaces.
Quanell X then stepped directly toward Phillips, challenging him to repeat the slur. He did not respond and walked away without answering any of the questions he was asked. “I dare you to do it, and I swear for God, I’ll make you taste the ancestors,” Quanell X said. Despite growing public pressure, Michael Phillips did not respond to the allegations or comment on the incident. Meanwhile, Dr. Candace Matthews stood by Quanell X's remarks. She pointed out that Brazoria County is a majority-minority county, and deliberate racist behavior, especially in courtrooms, will not be "tolerated" anymore. She added, "We will expose you and we will shut you down." The activists later demanded a thorough review of Michael Phillips' records. They claimed there was potential racial bias in his legal practice. Quanell X urged the Black community to unite and speak out. He described the issue as a pattern of racial discrimination within the justice system.View this post on Instagram“We’ve got to get together collectively and unite in power,” he said. “We need to recognize that there is a stigma and we need to reverse the message.” The incident was discussed on Roland Martin Unfiltered, where Randy Bryant, who was present with others, said they watched the viral clip of the clash about "eight times that morning." She said that she was delighted to see Black activists advocate against serious instances of racial discrimination in professional settings. The incident has since circulated widely online, drawing mixed reactions on several social media platforms. "Finally, see a Black man standing up for a Black woman. I'm 73 years old and have finally seen it", one user said. "This is one of the more impactful and powerful videos I have seen in years. Bring back public shaming," said another. "You think they care?" a user said.