RICHMOND, Texas (AP) – The appearance of Texas attorney Rod Ponton as a fluffy kitten during an online hearing offered a moment of levity to a pandemic and Zoom-weary world.
But that particular cute filter might be hard to find for anyone looking to replicate the viral moment.
Ponton told The Associated Press that he used his assistant’s 10-year-old Dell desktop computer when he signed up for a routine forfeiture hearing in Presidio County, Texas, where he serves as a prosecutor on Tuesday.
Ponton says his appearance looked normal on webcam as he waited to be admitted to the Zoom hearing in Judge Roy Ferguson’s court. But when the hearing began, to his horror and dismay, he was a cat.
“I think everyone in the world has now seen the video and heard me trying as I struggled to decipher myself,” he said.
Ponton said he is still trying to unravel the mystery, but he believes the assistant’s computer software and young child are the most likely culprits.
Texas-based Dell Technologies says the outdated desktop likely needed a software update.
“Mr. Ponton probably had an outdated driver that might have kept him in the cat filter limbo for a bit too long,” said Glen Robson, Chief Technology Officer at Dell’s Client Solutions Group. “While we techies probably cringe watching that video, I’m sure cat lovers were celebrating everywhere. “
Video filters and virtual backgrounds have become hugely popular as much of the world’s activities went online during the pandemic. A common program is Snap Camera, which allows users to download all kinds of filters, including one that makes a person look like a potato (like a woman). famously did early in the pandemic).
Separately, Zoom offers its own filters through its app, although none are as realistic as Ponton’s attorney.
During the pandemic, accidents have occurred in online courtrooms as the legal community adapts to remote litigation. A case in Georgia last year was disturbed by hold music, background noise and the neglected mute button. And in Florida, a judge told lawyers to get out of bed and put on clothes before appearing on video for a procedure.
Ferguson, the judge who oversaw Tuesday’s hearing and posted the video online, told The Associated Press he had no idea the clip was going to be an instant hit.
“My phone started to melt in about two minutes, and I realized this was going to take on a life of its own,” said Ferguson.
In one of the more hilarious moments, Ponton told the judge, “I am willing to go ahead” with the hearing, despite his feline appearance. Ferguson said everyone involved is committed to preserving the dignity of the court despite the absurdity of the situation.
Ponton was in good spirits about his newfound fame and told the AP, “I’m happy to make the world laugh because I think we needed it after the last few months.”
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Bleed reported from Little Rock, Arkansas.