Free to be me

“I’ll make you taste the ancestors”: Activists confront attorney after racial slur allegations

ANGLETON, TEXAS – Dr. Matthews, Quanell X, and other community activists confronted Attorney Michael M. Phillips outside the courtroom inside the Brazoria County courthouse after allegations surfaced that he repeatedly used the N-word during a family court proceeding.

According to organizers and court transcripts referenced during the event, the racial slur was allegedly used multiple times in open court in the presence of opposing counsel, court personnel, and the presiding judge. The transcript shows Judge Chad Bradshaw warning Phillips that continued use of the language could result in contempt sanctions.

During the confrontation outside the courtroom, Quanell X accused Phillips of intimidating a Black woman during the hearing and challenged him to repeat the language in front of him. At one point during the exchange, Quanell X stated, “I swear to God, I’ll make you taste the ancestors.”

The confrontation drew attention from supporters, media members, and others gathered inside the courthouse.

When asked by reporters if he would like to comment about what happened, Phillips stated he was “not allowed to make a comment at the present.”

Quanell X later made a statement to reporters and supporters gathered outside the courthouse, stating Phillips “took it upon himself to be a bully, to intimidate a black woman in the courtroom.” Quanell X also stated, “At the end of the day, this man's a coward, and we're not going to tolerate anyone bullying black women using the N-word, and think he can intimidate them and frighten them.”