Broward court: Viral bond hearing clip shows judge joking with accused chef

A domestic violence survivor in Broward County has publicly criticized a local judge for joking with the man accused of assaulting her during a recent bond hearing. The victim, who asked to remain anonymous, stated that a video of the exchange made her suffering seem like a joke. The clip features Judge Allison Gilman discussing food with the defendant rather than focusing solely on the legal proceedings.

Police reports indicate Christopher Johnson allegedly pulled the woman’s hair and punched her in the mouth, breaking her lip. Following his arrest, Johnson appeared before Gilman, who learned he worked as a chef. The judge inquired about his culinary skills, asking if he would cook her a specific dish. Johnson replied that he is a steak and grill specialist.

The conversation shifted to Gilman’s own difficulties with cooking steak. She admitted to burning the outside while leaving the inside undercooked. Johnson demonstrated a turning technique using his hands, repeating the phrase “10 o’clock, 2 o’clock” to explain the motion. Video footage shows the judge smiling and laughing as Johnson offered the tip. The segment was first broadcast by 7News on Oct. 22 and has since circulated widely on social media.

The victim and her mother spoke with reporters after seeing the clip online. The mother, who stood beside her daughter during the interview, questioned the professionalism of the interaction. “I don’t think this is professional. As a mother, I was hurt,” she said. She added, “But don’t sit up there and take my daughter and her situation as a mockery. You went to school. I know you was taught. Be a judge.”

The survivor explained that social media comments drove her to contact the media. She noted that her family had already endured the abuse, but now strangers are sending them clips of the hearing. “The last thing you wanted to be able to see is your abuser on TV, laughing with the judge,” she said. “Talking about cooking steaks.”

She described feeling shocked when she first heard the audio, recalling that she reacted with disbelief. The victim argued that the judge drifted off topic and lightened the mood in a way that normalized the abuse. “She got off topic and went about cooking steak and laughing, making him feel like what he did was just OK,” she said. She emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “This is not a joke, this is a serious matter!”

Broward County court officials have been contacted by 7News for a response to the viral footage and the victim’s statements.