Louisiana Attorney Held in Contempt in Madison Brooks Case

BATON ROUGE, La. - The high-profile case of former LSU student Madison Brooks is making headlines again after a Baton Rouge judge held a defense attorney in contempt of court over the use of Madison Brooks’ full name in a court filing while attempting to ban anyone from wearing the color pink inside the courtroom.

Caitlin Fowlkes, who represents Desmond Carter, one of the men charged in connection with the alleged rape of Brooks, was found in contempt on Monday, October 19. The issue centered on a court document connected to an earlier request to prevent spectators from wearing pink in the courtroom.

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Why Was the Defense Attorney Held in Contempt?

According to reporting from Fox News and WBRZ, Fowlkes included Brooks’ full name in materials attached to a motion filed in July.

The motion asked the court to prevent spectators from wearing pink during Carter’s upcoming trial. Brooks’ family members and supporters have used the color to honor her memory.

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According to foxnews.com "Judge Gail Horne Ray had ruled in August that Brooks' supporters could wear pink in the courtroom."

Louisiana law requires victims of sex crimes to be identified only by their initials in court filings, with identifying information redacted as required. The judge ruled that Fowlkes violated the law by failing to remove Brooks’ full name from the documents.

Why Did the Defense Want Pink Banned From the Courtroom?

The concern raised by the defense was that a coordinated show of support for Brooks by wearing pink clothing could influence or intimidate potential jurors.

However, Brooks’ family and supporters have said that wearing pink is a way to remember her and show solidarity. Madison's mother also says they wear pink because it was her daughter's favorite color.

When Is the Madison Brooks Case Going to Trial?

According to WBRZ, Carter’s trial is scheduled to begin December 7, 2026.

As the December trial date approaches, developments in the case are likely to remain a major point of interest in Baton Rouge and throughout Louisiana.