Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s annual financial disclosure form revealed that she received four concert tickets from Beyoncé valued at $3,711.84 in 2023. It is unclear which show Jackson attended, but Beyoncé performed a sold-out show in the Washington, D.C., area that year. Vice President Kamala Harris also disclosed receiving tickets from Beyoncé. In addition to the Beyoncé tickets, Jackson disclosed receiving two gifts of art for her judicial chambers worth $12,500, as well as a book advance of $893,750 from Penguin Random House for her memoir “Lovely One” set to be published in September. Jackson is the only justice nominated by President Joe Biden.
Justice Clarence Thomas disclosed receiving two photo albums valued at $2,000 from Terrence Giroux, as well as two trips as a guest of Harlan Crow that were inadvertently omitted from his 2019 disclosure report. Crow provided Thomas with food and lodging in Bali, Indonesia, and a private club in Monte Rio, California on the trips. Justice Brett Kavanaugh disclosed $340,000 in book royalty income from Javelin Group and Regnery Publishing for his upcoming legal memoir. Kavanaugh faced a contentious confirmation process due to sexual assault allegations from his high school years. Justice Neil Gorsuch disclosed $250,000 in royalty income from HarperCollins Publishers for his book “Over Ruled,” scheduled for release in August.
These financial disclosures highlight the additional income and gifts received by Supreme Court justices beyond their salaries. The revelations provide insight into the various interests and activities of the justices outside of their judicial duties. The disclosure of gifts and income from book royalties sheds light on the diverse pursuits and engagements of the individual justices. The disclosure of Beyoncé concert tickets, gifts of art, and book advances showcases the unique experiences and opportunities available to Supreme Court justices outside of their work on the bench.
The disclosure of gifts and trips received by Justice Clarence Thomas from Terrence Giroux and Harlan Crow raises questions about potential ethics issues and conflicts of interest. The inclusion of omitted trips in Thomas’s 2019 disclosure report, as well as his receipt of gifts valued at $2,000, may prompt further scrutiny and investigation. Similarly, the disclosure of book royalty income by Justices Kavanaugh and Gorsuch underscores the financial benefits and rewards available to justices for their writing efforts. The disclosure of book advances and royalty income highlights the diverse talents and pursuits of Supreme Court justices beyond their roles as jurists.
Overall, the financial disclosures of Supreme Court justices provide transparency and accountability regarding their additional income, gifts, and activities beyond their official duties. The disclosures shed light on the diverse interests and engagements of the individual justices, offering a glimpse into their personal and professional lives outside of the courtroom. The revelations of concert tickets, gifts of art, book advances, and royalty income underscore the multifaceted nature of the justices’ roles and the various opportunities available to them. The disclosures serve as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities that come with serving on the nation’s highest court, as well as the importance of upholding ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of their work.
