Judge Judy Sheindlin responded to recent criticism regarding her comments about America, stating that it would take more than her critics to silence her. In interviews with USA Today and Fox News Digital, Sheindlin clarified that she did not describe the country as perfect, but rather as a home based on principles she is compelled to defend.
During a viral interview exchange, Sheindlin told USA Today that she considers America her home and believes it is the greatest country in the world. She advised those who dislike the country to move elsewhere, comparing the nation to a house where one should not demand changes if they do not like it. She stated, "If you don't like this country, go somewhere else," adding that people should not enter her home and say they want to change it.
The remarks prompted a segment on ABC's "The View," where hosts reacted with divided opinions. Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin came to Sheindlin's defense, while Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro expressed disappointment. Hostin argued that the comments displayed selfishness by focusing on individual success rather than improving the country for everyone. Navarro stated that she takes umbrage with the remarks, asserting that her love for America gives her a duty to call out what she describes as grift, cruelty, racism, and abuses of power.
Sheindlin told Fox News Digital that she did not understand Hostin's response, explaining that her use of "my" country was intended to represent all Americans. She said every American should feel that America is their home and that she was not limiting the sentiment to herself. Regarding Navarro, Sheindlin said she takes everything Navarro says with a grain of salt.
Addressing the broader backlash, Sheindlin maintained that her view was not that the country is perfect. She noted that in the original interview, she said there is nothing wrong with tweaking the country. She used the house analogy again, explaining that a house may need a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting, or updated appliances to function optimally. She distinguished this "tweaking" from burning the house down.
Sheindlin emphasized that the country was founded on certain principles and is a capitalist nation. She drew a line at suggestions to replace capitalism with socialism, stating that such a shift would alter what the country is about. She argued that socialism is not popular with the vast majority of Americans and suggested that most people agreed with her statement. She criticized vocal minorities for trying to shut her up by using negative names instead of addressing the message.
Sheindlin acknowledged that some people do not see their lives being fulfilled in the country in the same way others do, but she rejected being named for expressing her views. She stated, "It's gonna take a lot more than Ana Navarro to shut me up." She also commented on the internet's capacity for mean-spirited behavior, noting that it allows people to be anonymous or overtly cruel.
Sheindlin's special, "Judge Judy: Unfiltered, Unforgettable," aired on CBS in late September. She noted that fans who have followed her for 25 or 30 years know who she is and that what they see is what they get. She added that her persona on screen is similar to her off-screen personality, except for how she interacts with her family.
Sheindlin began her television career in 1996 with a show that aired for 25 seasons until 2021. Following that series, she hosted "Judy Justice," which ended in October. She expressed pride in her son, Judge Adam Levy, who now hosts "Adam's Law." Sheindlin said Levy works harder than she did and has an exciting energy, noting that ratings support his performance.