Judge Greenlights Pink Attire for Madison Brooks Trial Supporters

The vibrant hue of pink will continue to make waves in the legal proceedings surrounding the Madison Brooks case. The court has cleared the way for attendees to don the color during accused rapist Desmond Carter’s upcoming court appearance, as confirmed by official court documentation.

In a recent decision made on Thursday, Judge Gail Ray from East Baton Rouge rejected a request from Carter’s defense to ban the wearing of pink by courtroom observers, including supporters of Brooks. This decision was outlined in newly unveiled court records.

Madison Brooks, whose life was tragically cut short, was a 19-year-old student at Louisiana State University. In early 2023, she endured an alleged gang rape and subsequently lost her life after being struck by a vehicle following a night out.

The court document further stipulates that T-shirts emblazoned with the victim’s likeness are prohibited. This is because such attire could convey a biased message, designed to evoke sympathy for the victim and potentially prejudice against the defendant during the legal proceedings.

“It’s not about anyone except for Madison,” Ashley Baustert, Brooks’ mother, told News Media before the judge’s ruling.

She wants to ensure her daughter’s accused attackers are held accountable.

Brooks, 19, was a student at LSU when she was hit by a car and killed after a group of men allegedly raped her, then dumped her out of a vehicle on a Baton Rouge, Louisiana, highway in 2023, and drove off. 

The driver of the vehicle that hit her stayed on scene and was cleared of charges.

“Maddie felt safe that night, she thought these were her friends and I think a lot of selfish choices were made that night, and ultimately it led in a horrific ending,” Baustert told News Media on Wednesday.

On top of the unimaginable grief of losing her child, Baustert has been dragged through an ongoing legal marathon in her fight to hold her daughter’s alleged attackers accountable.

“It’s very challenging,” Baustert said. “I have to just keep the course and stay positive and pray that justice will in the end prevail.”

Carter, 21, one of the men accused of raping Brooks, asked the judge to ban spectators from wearing pink. His defense claims the color — which supporters wear to honor Brooks — could bias or intimidate the jury.

Baustert strongly pushed back against the motion.

“We are not disruptive, we are very peaceful, and it’s really just about Maddie’s favorite color,” Baustert said. “We wear it to honor her. It’s not about anyone except for Madison.”

“I hope that she disagrees with the defendant’s attorney and allows us to peacefully wear pink. I feel that if she agrees with them, I think it’s going to cause more of an outrage,” Baustert said.

Brooks was a sophomore at LSU and was pursuing a communications degree when she was killed.

Prior to her enrollment at LSU, she “graduated from Saint Scholastica Academy in 2021, where she was an honor roll student, cheerleader, member of Doves for Life, Spirit Club, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes,” the LSU Foundation says.

Baustert said, “Nothing will bring Madison back, but we remain committed to honoring her life and ensuring that her voice is never forgotten.”

News Media has reached out to Carter’s attorney.

He is scheduled to appear before a judge on Aug. 17.