DAYTON, Texas — The small Texas town of Dayton has found itself in the middle of a big controversy over a short video clip that's making rounds on social media.
City Manager Kimberly Judge's job is on the line over the one-second clip that appears to show her "dancing and enjoying herself with a group of close friends," according to the PR firm that represents her.
A City Council meeting was held Monday night to discuss her fate. Emotions were running high as many said they didn't understand why the meeting was even called in the first place.
"It's really and truly scapegoating," Rhonda Johnson said.
In the end, the City Council voted to place Judge on administrative leave while an investigation takes place into the time, place, and content of the video.
"It's been insinuated it was on a trip for a city function but again there's no context on the video," Dayton resident and former city councilmember Sherial Alwson said. "She has fulfilled her obligations of her position. We need to let her do her job."
The decision wasn't popular among those inside the city's chambers. Several people who spoke in support of Judge had already seen the video.
"The video is, there's no context to it. From the video, you can't tell where it was shot," Alwson said.
Others downplayed the video saying what was seen in it wasn't that bad.
"If that's the biggest skeleton in her closet, then we're all screwed," Courtney Wheeler said.
Adam Spear was on the other side of the fence.
"The main issue I had was ... it was a city-paid trip," Spear said. "Leaders don't take taxpayer dollars and then go act a fool while you're representing the city."
After the final decision was made, KHOU 11 News reporter Amanda Henderson tried to speak with councilmembers but they said they've been advised by their legal team to not speak at this time.
Here's a statement from Judge's representatives:
"We are compelled to address the recent actions of a scorned group of individuals who have stooped to new lows by releasing a video of our beloved City Manager, mother, grandmother, and personal client, Kimberly Judge, on a Facebook page created under the name Brad Norwell. This video, showing Kimberly dancing and enjoying herself with a group of close friends, is a blatant attempt to undermine her reputation and sway public trust in her ability to continue leading the City of Dayton towards a brighter future and enhancing the city’s position as the “Beacon of Light on the Hill.
"Kimberly has consistently demonstrated dignity, respect, and unwavering commitment to the City of Dayton. Her track record is a testament to her professionalism and the positive impact she has had on our local community. Under her leadership, Dayton has seen significant improvements in public services, community engagement, and economic development. Her initiatives have led to the revitalization of downtown, and increased support for local businesses, making Dayton a better place to live and work.
"We urge the public to see through this pathetic attempt to discredit a woman who has been a true asset to our city. Kimberly is not only a dedicated City Manager but also a mother, an excellent colleague, and a person of strong Christian faith who believes in forgiveness and understanding. It is unfortunate that someone has chosen to release a 3-year-old video of Kimberly being human and enjoying herself on her PERSONAL TIME, to create a false narrative, for clicks and views at the expense of her integrity.
"The community stands firmly behind Mrs. Judge and condemns this cowardly attack on her character. We will not be swayed by the baseless actions of sycophants running a low-level smear campaign against Kimberly. Thank you for your continued support and understanding."