Staff Reports
Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas is facing backlash after a man mentioned in a leaked audio clip of her berating him and another staffer died from a drug overdose, according to a news report. The man, Jerome Brooks, had been insulted by Jackson Lee during her Houston mayoral bid last November. The leaked audio caused quite a headache for the congresswoman’s campaign.
Former Staffer Who Leaked Democrat Shelia Jackson-Lee's Controversial Audio Dies of a Drug Overdose https://t.co/VyqEzxg6O0
— Patricia Dickson (@Patrici15767099) February 8, 2024
Brooks passed away several days after being called a “fat a** stupid idiot” by Jackson Lee. The police commenced an investigation into his death last year after he was found deceased in a hotel in Austin, just days after the audio was made public. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful, and police have ruled out homicide as a cause of death. A toxicology report revealed that Brooks had a combination of drugs and alcohol in his system at the time of his death, leading to the conclusion that it was an accidental overdose.
Although Jackson Lee has not yet made a statement regarding Brooks’ death, the leaked audio clip referred to him in a derogatory manner. In the clip, Jackson Lee can be heard shouting expletives at the staffer and Brooks, calling them “f***ing idiots” and saying they serve no purpose. The congresswoman issued a statement expressing regret that the clip was released but did not offer an apology.
This tragic incident is a reminder of the consequences that can arise from heated confrontations and the importance of treating others with respect and dignity.
