An Arkansas judge who was involved in leaking details about Charlize Theron's adoption has agreed to a lifetime ban from the state bench.
According to the Associated Press, Faulkner County Circuit Judge Mike Maggio disclosed confidential details on social media about the Oscar winner's adoption of son Jackson in 2012. Maggio used the screen name "geauxjudge" on an online social site to reveal the confidential information.
Maggio also caused controversy after pointing out online that the child was African American. When another user asked him, "Did she get herself a black baby?" Maggio replied, "Yep."
According to the Arkansas Times, Maggio, who is a father of five, apologized to the actress and took full responsibility for his actions.
"I take full responsibility for the comments that have been attributed to me," he said. "I apologize deeply for my lapse in personal judgment and for that, I have no excuse. The comments posted were not acceptable. These comments are not a reflection of who I am."
He added: "During my life, I have prided myself in treating all fairly and with respect, both personally and professionally. My friends, family and colleagues know me and can appropriately attest to how I have treated others. I stand by their opinion and regret letting them down. I ask for both yours and God's forgiveness. My actions are not indicative or illustrative of the conservative political philosophy of which I hold dear."
After admitting to his actions, Maggio ended his campaign run for a seat on the Arkansas Court of Appeals. The AP reported that Maggio will be suspended with pay for the remainder of 2014 before leaving his office.
