A Zoom hearing that went terribly wrong went viral on social media this week.
The incident became an online sensation thanks to one attorney’s difficulties in trying to remove a filter that made him appear as a cat. Now, the “I’m not a cat” video is making headlines across the globe.
The incident happened in Texas during a civil forfeiture case hearing being carried out via Zoom in the state’s 394th Judicial District Court. The lawyer in question, Rod Ponton, is a Presidio County attorney. At the time, he simply could not figure out how to turn off the cat filter on his Zoom call, reports the New York Times.
During the call, which is now one of the most popular videos on the internet, Judge Roy Ferguson told Ponton that it appeared he had a filter turned on in his video settings. As Ponton tried to unsuccessfully fix the problem, he responded:
“I don’t know how to remove it,” he said. “I’ve got my assistant here and she’s trying to.”
Despite the kitten face standing in for Ponton, he did not let the issue hold him back.
As he said he was ready to “go forward with it,” he added he was there live.
“I’m not a cat.”
Law Firms Use Zoom To Stay Connected During Pandemic
While this Texas attorney’s struggle made the headlines, it’s hard to believe this is the first time something like this has happened. After all, law offices across the country have been using technologies such as Zoom not only to carry hearings but also to stay connected to their clients as we struggle to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
While this humorous incident helped to bring a smile to people’s faces, it serves as a reminder that we are all in this together.
Hopefully, we can continue to carry on with the same attitude Ponton had throughout this ordeal.
Watch the full video of the incident below.