Madison Brooks' alleged rapist seeks ban on pink attire at trial

Madison Brooks, a 19‑year‑old Louisiana State University student, was allegedly gang‑raped in January 2023 by three men—Desmond Carter, Kaivon Washington and Casen Carver—before being abandoned on a highway and struck by a car, resulting in her death. The defendants face rape charges.

Carter’s defense team has filed a motion asking the court to prohibit Brooks’ family, friends and supporters from wearing pink, the victim’s favorite colour, during the upcoming trial, arguing that such displays could create a “carnival atmosphere” and prejudice the jury. Prosecutors from the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office oppose the request, describing the pink clothing as victim advocacy and urging the judge to reject the motion. The motion is set to be ruled on in early August, with the trial scheduled to begin on August 17.