A professional Magic Mike dancer has been found in contempt of court after performing an impromptu striptease and jiggling his surgically-enhanced breasts at a female solicitor during a virtual hearing.
The Virtual Courtroom Scandal
Alexander Zane, 35, shocked legal professionals when he removed his clothing and began gyrating during what should have been a standard court proceeding conducted via video link from his home. The incident occurred while Zane was awaiting his own hearing for allegedly assaulting a police officer.
Manchester Magistrates' Court heard how the dancer, who performs in the popular Magic Mike live shows, "deliberately jiggled his breasts" at solicitor Rebecca Walker in what was described as a calculated act of disrespect towards the judicial process.
Serious Consequences for Courtroom Antics
Presiding magistrate David Gray did not mince words when addressing Zane's behaviour, stating: "This is a court of law, not a nightclub. Your complete and utter disregard for the proceedings is unacceptable."
The court heard how Zane, who identifies as gender fluid, initially appeared appropriately dressed before suddenly removing his clothing and beginning his inappropriate performance. The incident caused significant disruption and required the hearing to be temporarily suspended.
Previous Offences and Legal History
This isn't Zane's first encounter with the legal system. The dancer was already facing charges of assaulting an emergency worker and criminal damage related to an incident at his apartment building in Manchester's upmarket Deansgate area.
Court documents revealed that Zane had previously been accused of threatening to stab a police community support officer and causing damage to property valued at approximately £1,000 during a separate altercation.
Broader Implications for Virtual Proceedings
The case raises important questions about virtual court etiquette and the challenges of maintaining decorum in remote legal proceedings. Since the pandemic, video link hearings have become increasingly common, but this incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in the system.
Legal professionals have expressed concern that such behaviour undermines the dignity of court proceedings and could lead to stricter regulations for virtual participation.
Zane has been remanded in custody and faces sentencing for both the contempt of court and his original charges later this month.
