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SALT LAKE CITY — In a series of tweets, a Texas judge issued an "important Zoom tip" warning parents to check their Zoom for filters after a lawyers attended a virtual hearing with a kitten filter.
IMPORTANT ZOOM TIP: If a child used your computer, before you join a virtual hearing check the Zoom Video Options to be sure filters are off. This kitten just made a formal announcement on a case in the 394th (sound on). #lawtwitter#OhNo@zoom_ushttps://t.co/I0zaj0wu6K
— Judge Roy Ferguson (@JudgeFergusonTX) February 9, 2021
Judge Roy Ferguson of the 394th Judicial District of Texas tweeted about the incident on Tuesday, saying that, "Everyone involved handled it with dignity, and the filtered lawyer showed incredible grace. True professionalism all around!"
The lawyer in the viral video, Rod Ponton, acknowledged the filter telling the judge that his assistant was attempting to remove it, but said he was prepared to go forward with it.
"I'm here live and I'm not a cat," said Ponton in the video.
"I can see that," the judged replied back.
The judge attempted to help Ponton go through his settings to turn off the filter.
In Ferguson's series of tweets, he said that the video "exemplified the legal community's dedication to the cause of justice."
Many courts and public hearings have turned to virtual meetings amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"These fun moments are a by-product of the legal profession's dedication to ensuring that the justice system continues to function in these tough times," Ferguson said.
