Judge Boots Mom for Making PB&J in Zoom Court

A Detroit woman logged into court late, wearing a robe, and made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich — and the judge wasn't having it. What happened next sparked national debate.

A Mother, a Robe, and a PB&J

Detroit mom Asja Outerbridge's morning started like many for single parents — chaotic.

Her 3-year-old daughter was sick and vomiting, and Outerbridge, a personal stylist, had to call off work and school. But that wasn't the only pressing appointment on her calendar. She also had a 9 a.m. virtual appearance in Detroit's 36th District Court for a misdemeanor charge.

Thinking the appearance was scheduled for 1 p.m., she called the court to confirm her hearing, only to learn it was already in progress. She scrambled to join at 9:22 a.m., just minutes before things took an unexpected turn.

Sandwich-Making While Streaming Court

According to Outerbridge, she spent nearly two hours in the Zoom waiting room before the judge brought her in — a delay she said contributed to her lapse in focus. "I kind of forgot he was on the phone," she told CBS News Detroit.

With her daughter sick and the court Zoom on mute, Outerbridge started making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich while still on camera. That's when Judge Sean Perkins intervened.

"No, we can't talk at the same time. Put whatever you're trying to prepare down," Perkins told Outerbridge after she was seen spreading peanut butter while in her robe, according to WNDU.

Outerbridge tried to explain, saying her daughter was too ill for daycare and she was simply trying to feed her. But Perkins wasn't moved. "I am sorry that your daughter is sick but again you are in court, and we are going to treat it as such," he said during the hearing, according to PEOPLE.

Moments later, she was removed from the session.

From Viral Moment to Teachable One

Afterward, Outerbridge acknowledged she should have handled things differently. "I definitely was wrong. I could have came dressed better and more prepared, and I don't want (the) judge to think that I'm laughing at the situation at him because I'm not. I take that very seriously, I do genuinely, with a serious face, apologize to the judge," she told CBS News Detroit.

She took her court embarrassment and transformed it into a teachable moment. As a stylist, she decided to show her followers how to dress appropriately for a court appearance. "I will show different outfits you could wear to court, how you can present yourself, and how you can not be caught lacking in a robe, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You don't want to do that," she explained, according to CBS News Detroit.

No Contempt, Just Consequences

Outerbridge wasn't charged with contempt, but the moment did spark nationwide commentary. Many parents related to her multitasking under pressure. Others criticized her for appearing unprepared for a legal matter.

Judge Perkins has not responded publicly to requests for comment.

References: Single Mom Booted From Zoom Court for Making Sick Toddler a PBJ | She Showed Up Late to Zoom Court — Then Started Making a Sandwich. The Judge Had Enough | Detroit-Area Woman Speaks Out After Viral Video Shows Her Making Sandwich During Virtual Court Hearing