In a dramatic courtroom showdown last week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faced off against Democratic Judge Marcus Ellington in a case that has set social media ablaze. The confrontation erupted when Leavitt, defending a devout Christian woman charged with violating a local ordinance by distributing religious pamphlets, was allegedly insulted by Ellington, who demanded, “Take that cross off your body right now,” referring to Leavitt’s necklace. Sources claim the judge’s tone was dripping with contempt, accusing Leavitt of “flaunting her faith” in his courtroom.

The case centered on Mary Thompson, a 62-year-old grandmother arrested for handing out Bible verses in a public park, which local officials claimed violated a new “anti-proselytizing” law. Leavitt, a known advocate for religious freedom, took up Thompson’s defense, arguing the ordinance infringed on First Amendment rights. Eyewitnesses say Ellington, a known progressive with a history of controversial rulings, appeared visibly irritated by Leavitt’s passionate defense, interrupting her repeatedly before targeting her cross necklace.

Tensions peaked when Ellington reportedly mocked Leavitt’s faith, suggesting she was “using religion as a prop” to grandstand. The courtroom fell silent as Leavitt, undeterred, fixed her gaze on the judge and delivered a devastating five-word response: “Your bias betrays your oath.” According to insiders, these words, spoken with calm conviction, exposed Ellington’s partiality, igniting a firestorm both in the courtroom and online.

Thompson’s supporters, already frustrated by what they saw as an attack on free speech, erupted in applause. Clips of the exchange, captured by courtroom spectators, went viral on X within hours, with hashtags like #LeavittVsEllington and #FaithUnderFire trending. Posts on X praised Leavitt’s poise, with one user writing, “Karoline just ended this judge’s career with five words. Legend.” Another claimed, “Ellington’s done. You can’t recover from that.”

The fallout was swift. By the next day, conservative lawmakers and religious advocacy groups called for Ellington’s removal, citing judicial misconduct. A formal complaint was filed with the state’s judicial oversight board, accusing the judge of violating ethical standards by targeting Leavitt’s religious expression. Under mounting pressure, Ellington announced his resignation late Friday, though he denied wrongdoing, claiming he was stepping down to “avoid further distraction.”

Leavitt, meanwhile, has remained defiant, telling reporters outside the courthouse, “No one should face persecution for their faith—not Mary, not me, not anyone.” Thompson’s case is ongoing, but legal experts predict the ordinance will be struck down, thanks to Leavitt’s high-profile intervention.

The incident has fueled debates about judicial impartiality and religious liberty, with many on X hailing Leavitt as a hero for standing up to what they call a “tyrannical” judge. As one user put it, “Karoline Leavitt just reminded us: Faith and truth always win.”