A Florida judge has drawn criticism after discussing cooking with a man appearing on a domestic battery charge at his bond hearing.
Broward County Judge Allison Gilman began the exchange after learning that Christopher Johnson worked as a chef, according to courtroom footage published by WSVN.
“If you were going to cook me a dish, what would it be?” Gilman asked.
Johnson suggested grilled steak. Gilman described problems she had cooking it, and Johnson explained how he turned the meat on the grill.
Sunrise police accused Johnson of assaulting his former girlfriend during an argument. He was arrested on Oct. 19 and faces a domestic battery charge. He is presumed innocent unless proved guilty.
Gilman set bond at $1,500. After Johnson said he could pay, she returned to the food discussion and suggested visiting his workplace.
Linda Parker, CEO of the domestic violence organization Women in Distress, objected to the exchange. She told WSVN that discussing a meal during a domestic violence hearing could leave survivors doubting whether the court would take their cases seriously.
WSVN said Broward’s chief judge was aware of the clip but offered no further comment.
Johnson has been released on bond with an order barring contact with the alleged victim, WSVN reported.