- MSNBC producer James Morrison was arrested for allegedly following the jurors’ vehicle during the Kyle Rittenhouse trial.
- The incident led to MSNBC being banned from the courthouse for the remainder of the trial.
- Judge Schroeder called the network’s actions “extremely serious” and a “very grave matter”.
- While Morrison was not arrested for jury tampering, the police intervention prevented any opportunity for such an act.
- The incident has raised questions about the media’s role in high-profile trials and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process.
In a surprising turn of events during the highly publicized Kyle Rittenhouse trial, an MSNBC producer named James Morrison was apprehended for reportedly tailing the vehicle of jurors.
As a result of this incident, Judge Bruce Schroeder expressed his outrage by banning MSNBC from covering the remainder of the trial. Let’s explore the full details of the situation.
Quick Facts
Detail |
Information |
Name |
James Joseph Morrison |
Age |
63 years old |
Occupation |
Producer at MSNBC |
Incident Date |
November 17, 2021 |
Legal Outcome |
Cited for traffic violations |
The Arrest
On November 17, 2021, police in Kenosha stopped James Morrison, a 63-year-old MSNBC producer from Atlanta, for allegedly following the jurors’ van while it was under SWAT protection. Morrison identified himself as an NBC employee and claimed he was following the vehicle according to instructions from his superiors in New York.
Breaking:
— Rising serpent 🇺🇸 (@rising_serpent) November 18, 2021
MSNBC "reporter" James T Morrison followed the jury bus trying to photograph members of the jury, claiming MSNBC ordered him to do it. The judge has now banned MSNBC from the courtroom.
The media is truly the enemy of the people and want blood spilled in the streets. https://t.co/GugTYd9skO
The officer who conducted the stop voiced serious concerns regarding Morrison’s behavior, stating, “This is huge. We can’t afford anything crazy happening. Putting people in dangerous positions.” Morrison was cited for running a red light and is set to appear in court in December.
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MSNBC’s Response
In a statement, NBC News asserted that Morrison was a freelancer and emphasized that while he was near the jury van during the traffic violation, he had no intention of contacting or photographing the jurors. The network expressed regret over the incident and promised full cooperation with law enforcement.
However, police footage indicated that Morrison was in direct communication with MSNBC producer Irene Byon, who verified on speakerphone that he was following the jurors’ vehicle at the behest of the network. This evidence contradicts NBC’s initial assertion that Morrison was acting independently.
Judge Schroeder’s Reaction
Judge Schroeder, who had previously voiced concerns about media involvement in the trial, was enraged upon hearing about the incident. He prohibited MSNBC from entering the courthouse for the rest of the trial, labeling the network’s conduct as “extremely serious” and a “very grave matter.” The judge also clarified that the individual Morrison is said to have followed was not an actual juror but rather a potential juror, complicating the already contentious situation further.

Potential Consequences
Although James Morrison was not charged with jury tampering, the police acknowledged that their intervention averted any possibility of such an act. This incident has triggered discussions about the media’s role in high-profile trials and the necessity of preserving the integrity of the judicial process.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear what further repercussions, if any, may be imposed on MSNBC or Morrison. The network’s reputation has certainly been affected, and the relationship between the media and the judicial system has been significantly strained.
James Morrison Wife And Family
James Morrison, a British singer-songwriter, is celebrated for his heartfelt ballads and soulful voice. He was in a long-term relationship with Gill Catchpole, with whom he had two daughters, Elsie and Ada.
Tragically, Gill Catchpole, 45, passed away on January 5, 2023, at their home in Whitminster, Gloucestershire. James found her unresponsive after a concerned friend reached out when they couldn’t get in touch with her. An inquest determined that Gill’s death was due to ligature suspension, with no suspicious circumstances involved.
The couple had been together for nearly 20 years, having first met when James was just 17. Gill was well-regarded for her kindness and active participation in the community, including running a café and supporting local charities. Before her passing, she had been battling mental health challenges, which worsened following their recent separation.
In the wake of this tragedy, James Morrison has shifted his focus to caring for their daughters, canceling all work commitments to be there for his family during this challenging period.
FAQs
Q: What was James Morrison’s role at MSNBC?
James Morrison was a producer at MSNBC, based in Atlanta.
Q: Why was MSNBC banned from the Kyle Rittenhouse trial?
MSNBC was banned from the trial after one of its producers, James Morrison, was arrested for allegedly following the jurors’ vehicle.
Q: Was Morrison arrested for jury tampering?
No, Morrison was not arrested for jury tampering. However, the police intervention prevented any opportunity for such an act.
Q: What was the judge’s reaction to the incident?
Judge Schroeder was furious upon learning about the incident and called MSNBC’s actions “extremely serious” and a “very grave matter.”
Q: What are the potential consequences of the incident?
The incident has raised questions about the media’s role in high-profile trials and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. It remains to be seen what further actions, if any, will be taken against MSNBC or Morrison.
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Last Updated on August 22, 2024 by 247 News Around The World