‘Judge Judy’ Bailiff Says He’s ‘Confused & Dismayed’ She Didn’t Invite Him To Be A Part Of New Show

‘Judge Judy’ Bailiff Says He’s ‘Confused & Dismayed’ She Didn’t Invite Him To Be A Part Of New Show

While many fans anticipate Judith Sheindlin’s (a.k.a. Judge Judy) new television series, one familiar face won’t be featured. 

As previously reported, after 25 years of the hit court show Judge Judy, Judith Sheindlin landed a similar series Judy Justice on IMDB TV.

But the bailiff who was by Judith Sheindlin’s side for her entire first series’ run won’t be joining her. And he appears to be just as surprised as viewers.

Petri Hawkins-Byrd said recently,

“My assumption is if you were going on to do something else, that you were at least going to ask me if I wanted to have the opportunity to audition for the role.”

He added that he knew nothing about Judy Justice until Sheindlin publicized the series in March of last year.

He also said since the show’s last season ended in April, his priority has been caring for his wife, Makita Bond-Byrd, as she prepared for brain surgery. Makita Bond-Byrd was also a producer on Judge Judy. 

“I didn’t have time to think about or ask about Judy Justice. It wasn’t until July that I called the judge and asked, ‘Hey, should I look for something else or am I included in the Judy Justice project?'”

Petri Hawkins-Byrd recalled finding out he was not invited to be a part of Judy Justice and said,

“She informed me I was not being asked to come along on the project. I didn’t inquire as to why, that’s her choice. But she did inform me that, fundamentally, I was priced out as the new bailiff on her new show. My salary would have been too much. I was curious: How would she know? She didn’t ask me. She didn’t give me an opportunity to have accepted a lower salary.”

He said the phone conversation “ended pleasantly enough”, but he still has sour feelings about not being included.

“I don’t think she understood how confused and dismayed I was after being there for 25 years, from the beginning of her career, and not being at least given the opportunity to say whether or not I wanted to continue that relationship.”

He pointed out that the new bailiff, Kevin Rasco, previously served as security for Sheindlin.

Sheindlin addressed the decision and said,

“Byrd is terrific and we had a great 25-year run. This is a whole new program with a whole new cast and an exciting energy.”

But fans haven’t seen the last of Petri Hawkins-Byrd. He’s secured several voiceover gigs and even a guest part on The Bold and the Beautiful. He concluded,

“I just know that God has something else for me.”

What are your thoughts on Petri Hawkins-Byrd not being in Judy Justice? Comment and let us know.

[VIA]