EP 87 L.O. Down

JudgeMental Podcast – EP 87: L.O. DownIn this episode, the hosts dive into the latest development in the ongoing Bridgeman case — and it's a jaw-dropper. Jefferson County Family Court Judge Lauren Ogden has been photographed attending a high-profile charity fundraiser at the home of one of the active litigants appearing before her in court. Yes, really.What We Cover:The Bridgeman Case Background – Filed in 2024, this is a high-stakes custody dispute involving an heir to a significant estate. The hosts previously covered how the FOC (Friend of the Court) gave the father's estate a tour while skipping the mother's home entirely — and now there's more.Bourbon & Bow Ties at the Bridgeman Estate – A supplemental affidavit was filed in the pending 26A (Kentucky Supreme Court disqualification petition) revealing that Judge Ogden attended this annual fundraiser — held at the litigant's estate — as recently as June 2025, posting and being tagged in multiple photos on social media. The invitation itself, filed as a pleading exhibit, names the Bridgeman estate as the venue.The Coverup Is Worse Than the Crime – After the motion was filed, the photos were removed and Judge Ogden was untagged. Christine and Hugh are direct: that's not a strategy, that's a confession.The 26A Still Has Not Been Ruled On – The original petition to disqualify Judge Ogden — based on her November 2024 removal of the children from their mother at motion hour, without sworn testimony or a hearing — has been pending since November. Meanwhile, a pro se litigant's 26A in another division was resolved quickly.Due Process, Ethics, and Accountability – Christine and Hugh discuss the Kentucky standard (appearance of a conflict is enough), the pattern of reversals of Judge Ogden by the Court of Appeals, and why every other judge in the building who stays silent is complicit.The Call to Action – If judges are attending social events at litigants' homes while their cases are active, the bench is not a safe place for them. Period.Stay Connected:Visit us at judge-y.comFollow us on social: @JudgingthejudgesJoin the Judge-y community on YouTube — every Friday, Christine and Hugh go live for "Open Court," answering your questions exclusively in the community tab. (Preferably with a Kentucky-brewed beverage in hand.)Download the Judge-y app to stay up to date, rate judges, and be part of the conversation.LEGAL DISCLAIMERThe content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, legal advice. Engaging with this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and the hosts, guests, or their firms. The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any law firm, company, or organization. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the information presented. Any reliance on the information in this podcast is at your own risk. Laws are constantly changing, and every situation is unique. You should always seek the advice of a qualified attorney for your specific legal concerns.