A Cook County judge has been placed on leave after allegedly making sexist remarks about a female lawyer during a court livestream. Judge William Raines is heard on video making derogatory comments about attorney Jennifer Bonjean, including saying, 'Can you imagine waking up next to her every day? Oh, my God!'
The incident occurred on Tuesday during a conversation with two assistant state's attorneys and an assistant public defender. Judge Raines appeared unaware he was being recorded on a YouTube livestream. The stream was ended shortly after the remarks were made.
Ms Bonjean, who has represented high-profile clients including Bill Cosby, said she was horrified that the judge was set to preside over her client's case. 'My client's been lost in all of this,' she told WGN-TV. The Cook County State's Attorney's Office has apologised to Ms Bonjean, but Judge Raines has not.
The Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County said in a statement that an executive committee meeting would be held to determine further action. Judge Raines has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
