Journalist's courtroom smile, wink draw criticism

A moment caught on livestream during the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy has sparked widespread online criticism after a woman in the courtroom audience appeared to smile and wink at the camera. The incident occurred on Monday, August 24, 2026, during proceedings in Massachusetts, where Clancy stands accused of killing her three young children in 2023.

The woman was identified as Brittany Romano, a New York City-based writer and editor. A video clip circulated on social media showed a camera panning over the spectators in the gallery as they were ordered to stand. Romano, wearing a green dress, was seen grinning and then winking directly at the camera lens. The moment stood in stark contrast to the solemn demeanor of others in the room, prompting immediate backlash online from viewers who described the behavior as inappropriate and insensitive given the gravity of the case.

Romano has since offered an explanation for the gesture. In a video posted to social media, she said she was laughing in that moment because she "grew up with Lindsay." She stated that the smile and wink were intended for her father, who had previously told her she looked grim when appearing on camera during...