Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recently filed her annual financial disclosures, revealing that she was gifted four concert tickets by Beyoncé valued at $3,700, received a $900,000 advance for her upcoming memoir “Lovely One,” and has two gifts of artwork in her chambers worth $12,500. These disclosures cover all of 2023. Jackson’s filings also included more than $6,500 in clothes from a photo shoot and a $1,200 flower display from Oprah Winfrey. Vice President Kamala Harris previously reported being gifted tickets by Beyoncé as well.
Despite not specifying the concert for which she received the tickets, it was during Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour.” This is not the first time a high-profile figure has reported receiving tickets from Beyoncé, as Vice President Harris also disclosed being gifted tickets valued at $3,300. Justice Clarence Thomas amended his 2019 filing to reveal two trips to Indonesia and Sonoma County, California, which were paid for by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow after initially being omitted. Justice Brett Kavanaugh also reported being paid $340,000 by Regnery Publishing company for writing a legal memoir.
Additionally, Justice Kavanaugh confirmed that he is writing a legal memoir, although it is unclear when it will be released. These financial disclosures provide insight into the financial interests and activities of Supreme Court justices, shedding light on their connections and potential conflicts of interest. Samuel Alito, another Supreme Court justice, asked for an extension for filing his disclosures, which were due annually. These filings play a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability among public officials, ensuring that their financial dealings are open to scrutiny.
The financial disclosures filed by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and other justices demonstrate the various sources of income and gifts that they receive in the course of their duties. From concert tickets and artwork gifts to book advances and paid writing projects, these filings paint a detailed picture of the financial activities of the justices. These disclosures help the public understand the potential influences and conflicts of interest that may arise from justices’ financial relationships, ensuring that they act impartially and ethically in their roles.
Although the specifics of the concert for which Justice Jackson received tickets were not revealed, the filings provide a glimpse into the personal and professional lives of Supreme Court justices. The connections they have with high-profile figures like Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Republican megadonors highlight the complexities of their roles and the potential for outside influences. By disclosing their financial interests, justices like Jackson, Thomas, and Kavanaugh can uphold the integrity of the Supreme Court and maintain public trust in the institution. The transparency provided by these filings is crucial for ensuring accountability and ethical behavior among public officials, including those serving on the highest court in the land.
