Texas Attorney Micheal Philips Ordered To Apologize After Racial Slur Contempt Finding In Custody Trial
A Brazoria County attorney found in contempt for repeatedly using a racial slur during a child custody trial must submit written apologies to both the court and opposing counsel or face jail time and a monetary fine, according to newly filed court records.
Records show Judge Chad D. Bradshaw imposed sanctions against attorney Micheal Phillips after finding that he used “a racial slur numerous times in court in a derisive manner” during a custody modification trial in Brazoria County Family Court.
The court sentenced Phillips to three days in jail and issued a $500 fine. Both punishments were suspended on the condition that Phillips submit one written apology to the court and a separate written apology to opposing counsel Brenda DeRouen by June 30, 2026.
Contempt Finding Came During Custody Trial Arguments
The contempt finding stems from a custody modification trial held earlier this month. Previous court records stated that, outside the presence of the jury and while arguments were being made on the record, Phillips repeated a racial slur several times.
According to reporting from KPRC 2 Click2Houston, the judge found the remarks were made in a “derisive manner,” leading to the direct contempt ruling.
DeRouen, who represented the winning party in the custody matter, publicly criticized the conduct and said the language had no place in a courtroom.
“As a Black woman attorney practicing in Texas family courts, attorneys should be able to advocate fiercely for their clients without being subjected to racially charged conduct that undermines professionalism and dignity in the courtroom,” DeRouen said in a statement to KPRC 2 News.
Attorney Says Remarks Were Tied To Evidence
Phillips has disputed accusations that he used the slur in a derogatory way. In a previous statement, he said the comments occurred during an evidentiary argument outside the jury’s presence while he was objecting to testimony and language he said had repeatedly been introduced during the trial.
Phillips also said he apologized immediately after the exchange.
Judge Bradshaw did not accept that explanation as a reason to avoid sanctions. The court’s ruling found that the repeated use of the slur crossed the line from legal argument into contemptuous conduct.
Case Draws Public Attention Outside The Courtroom
The contempt ruling also drew public reaction from community activists Quanell X and Dr. Candace Matthews, who posted video of their confrontation with Phillips, which has since circulated widely across Instagram and other social media platforms
The custody matter ultimately ended with Phillips’ client losing the case.
The ruling places the attorney under a clear deadline. If the written apologies are not submitted to the court and DeRouen by June 30, Phillips could face the previously suspended three day jail sentence and $500 fine.
