Days after a Texas judge lifted the gag order in the Karmelo Anthony murder case, Austin Metcalf's father used his first public appearance to go on a racist tirade — and civil rights attorney Lee Merritt says it confirms what many have argued all along.
Jeff Metcalf appeared on the JinxedSip Podcast with host Sarah Fields on Wednesday (June 10), his first opportunity to speak publicly since the gag order was lifted following Anthony's conviction and sentencing. During the nearly three-hour interview, Metcalf referred to Anthony as the "watermelon felon" — a racist term rooted in anti-Black stereotypes — while dismissing arguments that race played any role in the case.
Metcalf also launched personal attacks at Anthony's parents, calling his father "a coward" and questioning what his mother had done "to that boy to make him stab somebody." He told the audience he wanted to "make something racist up so y'all can go viral" before using the term, then grinned at the camera.
He also claimed Black Americans play the victim by invoking oppression and told one Anthony supporter: "You're the only one in your family without a damn record. I guess that's something to brag about in your culture." Shortly after, Metcalf claimed he had forgiven Karmelo Anthony.
The remarks drew immediate condemnation. Civil rights attorney Lee Merritt responded on X, writing: "The gag order lifted. And the mask came off with it. This is the same man who stood in that courtroom and said 'this was never about race.' The prosecution struck every qualified Black juror from the panel. A gag order silenced public response for nearly a year. And the moment the muzzle came off, this is who he showed us he was. Karmelo Anthony did not get a fair trial. And now the victim's own father has confirmed in his own words what this community has known from the beginning."
The jury that convicted Anthony included no Black members — in a county where Black residents make up 12.1% of the population. Every qualified Black prospective juror was struck from the panel by the prosecution during jury selection — a detail that drew national scrutiny throughout the trial.
Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison. He admitted to the stabbing but maintained it was self-defense. His attorneys have filed an appeal. His family, who spoke to BIN's Mimi Brown this week, said they believe he did not receive a fair trial and vowed to keep fighting.
Jeff Metcalf said in court during his victim impact statement that the case was never about race. His own words on Wednesday told a different story.
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