Secret Recordings Reveal Oakland County Judge’s Use of Racist, Anti-Gay Slurs
Oakland County, Michigan
Veteran Oakland County Probate Judge, Kathleen Ryan, has been temporarily discharged from her designated post after audio recordings surfaced revealing her offensive use of anti-gay and racial slurs. These tapes were reported to high-profile public officials, such as the openly homosexual Oakland County Executive, Dave Coulter. Judge Ryan was also recorded aiming several anti-gay slurs at him.
Initial Investigations
In response, Coulter stated to the Free Press that Judge Ryan’s comments were an “abhorrent justification for her suspension from the County’s probate court pending a thorough investigation.” The Oakland County executive emphasized the appropriateness of mutual respect and equality among all, regardless of their profession, especially from a figure the public holds a deep-rooted faith in to practice impartiality.
County Judge Relieved of her Duties and Pending Investigations
Last week, Judge Ryan was relieved of her docket following initial analyses by county officials. The tapes, which the Free Press was able to review on Thursday, included derogatory remarks by Ryan targeted at Coulter, calling a Black American a “lazy piece of s—” and declaring herself a “new racist.”
Public Reactions
The Oakland County Board of Commissioners’ chair, Dave Woodward, expressed his disgust and affirmed that such language is detrimental to the sanctity of the legal system. Woodward also demanded an immediate, stringent investigation with the hope of permanently removing Judge Ryan from the judicial bench if the accusations hold true.
Source of the Recordings
Unbeknown to Judge Ryan, these recordings were made in secret by Oakland County Probate Court Administrator, Ed Hutton. According to a local news website, Hutton admitted to making discrete audio recordings of Judge Ryan over a span of two years, after he became alarmed by her “apparent hate and contempt for various protected groups.”
Next Steps Post Incident
On the completion of the investigations, the final conclusions regarding her position will be drawn by the Michigan Supreme Court. Judges facing such disciplinary matters usually undertake private hearings overseen by the state’s Tenure Commission.
Previous Records of Ryan’s Offenses
Amidst the fresh accusations, it was also revealed that Judge Ryan had a history of domestic violence charges against her from November 2021. These cases further illustrated her aggressive demeanor highlighting her offences against police officers to whom she threatened revenge during hospital evaluation after a physically abusive argument.
Reactions from Elected Officials
Elected officials voiced their concerns about the impact of Judge Ryan’s beliefs on the people who came before her in court. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the report disturbing, adding that a failure of trust, fairness, and judgement is a serious breach, especially from a judicial bench.
Jointly, state lawmakers Sen. Stephanie Change, D-Detroit, and state Rep. Kelly Breen, D-Southfield issued a statement saying, “Judge Ryan’s actions are not only harmful and dehumanizing; they have brought dishonor to the position she holds…”
Judge Ryan first became a probate judge in Oakland County in 2010 and won her reelection unopposed in 2022; her next run isn’t until 2028.
