Ms. Pat calls out Judge Judy over ‘go somewhere else’ comments about America

The comedian pushed back after Sheindlin argued that people unhappy with the country shouldn’t demand that it change.

Judge Judy Sheindlin’s blunt comments about America have sparked a new wave of criticism after she told people who dislike the country to consider living somewhere else.

The 83-year-old television personality made the remarks during a recent interview with USA TODAY as she reflected on her career, her connection to the United States and the enduring appeal of her courtroom shows.

Sheindlin described America as her home and said the country had treated her well. She also praised its economic system, entrepreneurship and what she described as a culture that values excellence.

“If you don’t like this country, go somewhere else,” Sheindlin said, adding that people should not come to what she considers the world’s greatest and most successful country and demand that it be changed.

The remarks have since become a wider debate about patriotism, criticism of government and whether wanting change is incompatible with pride in one’s country.

The comments have also drawn criticism from comedian Ms. Pat. TMZ reported that she challenged Sheindlin’s position, arguing that the television judge’s wealth and circumstances give her a different perspective from many Americans dealing with economic and social difficulties. Ms. Pat said Sheindlin ought to be ashamed of herself for such comments.

The reaction comes as Sheindlin approaches the end of another chapter in her television career. The original “Judge Judy” premiered in 1996 and ran for 25 seasons before ending in 2021. She subsequently launched Judy Justice, which is scheduled to conclude in October.

Sheindlin has said she plans to step away from appearing regularly on camera while continuing to work behind the scenes. Her son, Judge Adam Levy, has also entered the courtroom television space with Adam’s Law, which she produces.

Her latest remarks have therefore landed at a moment when Sheindlin is reflecting publicly on both her career and the values she believes helped shape its success. The response has extended that conversation beyond television, with critics and supporters interpreting her comments differently based on their views of patriotism, political change and life in America.