After Judge Michelle Odinet was placed on leave following a viral video that showed racial slurs being used in her home, a Black judge was hired to replace her.  

According to KLFY, Judge Vanessa Harris, a retired St. Landry Parish assistant district attorney and Opelousas city court judge, will fill the role in a temporary capacity. She will serve until Odinet returns or she is replaced following removal from the bench.  

PREVIOUS: Judge Michelle Odinet Facing Calls to Resign Over Video With Racial Slurs   

Earlier this month, Odinet faced calls to resign after a video,  which went viral, showed a television set displaying security footage of a Black man attempting to burglarize the judge’s home. As the security footage is played, laughter can be heard in the background of the leaked video. One person in the video says, “That’s me. And mom’s yelling ‘N—– n—–.'” Another individual in the video then says, “We have a n—-. It’s a n—-, like a roach.”   

Odinet originally said she had no recollection of the video due to a sedative she was given at the time. Days later her lawyer, Dane Ciolino, confirmed it was her voice using the racial slur in the video and that she would be taking a leave of absence without pay.  

Fallout continues for Odinet and her family. On Monday, the New Orleans district attorney ordered the civil rights division of his office to review all cases Odinet prosecuted, CNN reported. Her son, Elijah Odinet, was also removed from the Louisiana State University track and field roster.  

RELATED: ‘Humiliated’: Judge Michelle Odinet Taking Leave of Absence Over Video 

The team released a statement on Facebook, saying, “LSU Track and Field is a diverse group of student-athletes, coaches and support staff, and we respect these differences, because they make us stronger. We will never tolerate racism, and we will continue to do our part in the ongoing work towards its eradication—through educating ourselves, engaging with our community, and honoring the distinctions that empower us.”  

Harris received her B.S. in Computer Science from Southern University before getting a J.D. from Southern University Law Center. She is a member of the St. Landry Parish Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, Louisiana Judicial College and the Third Circuit Judges Association.  

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