Justice Sonia Sotomayor publicly apologized Wednesday for recent criticism of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. The apology is considered unusual given the Supreme Court’s tradition of privacy and collegiality among its members.
Sotomayor’s comments, made during a speaking event, concerned Kavanaugh’s concurring opinion supporting immigration raids. She acknowledged her remarks were “hurtful” and “inappropriate.”
The public mea culpa underscores continuing divisions within the court, which currently holds a 6-3 conservative majority. The incident highlights rifts regarding the court’s direction and actions in high-profile cases.