A US judge has voluntarily resigned after wearing an Elvis Presley wig in court. Not only did he play the singer-actor’s songs in the courtroom, but Missouri judge Matthew Thornhill faces a six-month unpaid suspension for failing to maintain court order and decorum. Although the judge avoided a disciplinary hearing for now, he will eventually resign from his job.
Judge quits after wearing Elvis Presley’s wig in courtroom
In a unique case, a US judge resigns over Elvis Presley fan service in his courtroom. Matthew Thornhill donned Presley’s wig and played his iconic songs in the courtroom, which resulted in a six-month unpaid suspension for the Missouri judge (via ABC News).
After the suspension, Thornhill would serve 18 more months on the bench. Although he avoided a disciplinary hearing, he will eventually resign from the St. Charles County Circuit Court. Spokeswoman Beth Riggert confirmed on Friday, November 21, that the agreement awaits final approval from the Missouri Supreme Court.
Judge Thornhill explained that he merely intended to “add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants.” However, he understands that these moves go against the rules of a courtroom. He continued, “I now recognize that this could affect the integrity and solemnity of the proceedings.”
The Commission on Retirement, Removal, and Discipline highlighted Thornhill’s fondness for the “Jailhouse Rock” crooner. The court file is filled with pictures of Thornhill, dressed in a plastic Elvis wig and sunglasses, posing with staff members. However, there is no information about the complainant who originally complained against the US judge.
According to the commission, Thornhill routinely played Elvis Presley’s music during courtroom proceedings. He sometimes played music on his phone while entering the courtroom. Not only that, he regularly wore the late singer’s wig around Halloween. Thornhill also playfully offered options for how they wanted to be sworn in before testifying, often creating a musical atmosphere in the courtroom.
Furthermore, the US judge often indulged in light banter about the “King of Rock and Roll,” including references to his song lyrics, which were irrelevant to the court proceedings. Not only Presley, but Thornhill often endorsed his political affiliations and preferred election candidates during court business.
Matthew Thornhill, however, defended himself, stating, “Never did they impact a decision.” Moreover, he acknowledged that “this was a mistake and a failure on my part to maintain proper order and decorum.”
