Is Madonna too famous for jury duty?
The New York Daily News reported the "Material Girl" was dismissed from jury duty within two hours of arriving at a New York City courthouse on Monday. The 55-year-old singer was reportedly sent to a first-floor clerk's office instead of the usual jury room.
New York State Unified Court system spokesman David Bookstaver told the media the court had enough jurors, and added that Madonna's presence would be "a total distraction" in the courtroom. She was not questioned for a panel.
"We had ample jurors today and had we needed her, she would have been sent out on a panel. We had sufficient jurors not to have created a further distraction for the courthouse," Bookstaver said in a statement. "She got credit for her service and we're delighted she came."
Bookstaver added: "Her appearance alone really goes to show that everyone gets called. The intent here was not to create a distraction to other jurors or the business of the court."
She is now excused from Manhattan state court jury duty for six years. Madonna was previously pardoned from jury service date in May, after presenting officials with a doctor's note.
The "Vogue" singer arrived at the courthouse wearing a black suit, pants, a scarf and a pair of sunglasses alongside two male bodyguards and two female assistants. The New York Post reported that the singer also arrived 30 minutes late.
However, several critics believe that the singer's early dismissal was unfair. A juror named Anna said, "The whole idea is everyone is here to serve. It's ridiculous to make it a tiered system."
"That's pretty outrageous. It's a painfully long day and it doesn't seem quite right. Everyone should have to wait in the same line," Professor Marianne Pita told New York Post's Page Six.
The singer posted a photo of a New York County Courthouse door knob on instagram with the caption, "I'm proud to do my job."
