On Monday, Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas was absent from oral arguments without providing an explanation. The court did not offer any reasons for his non-attendance, leaving many wondering about his health and well-being.
In response to Thomas’ absence, the court made the announcement that he would participate in the day’s cases remotely through transcripts and briefs. This option is often used by justices when they are unable to physically attend the Supreme Court building due to illness or other personal reasons.
Business Insider has attempted to contact the Supreme Court for further information on Thomas’ absence and condition. In 2022, Thomas was hospitalized due to an infection after experiencing symptoms resembling the flu. He was appointed as an associate justice in 1991 by then-President George H.W. Bush and has since been confirmed by the Senate. With the recent appointments to the Supreme Court, Thomas’ influence has increased as the senior member of the six-member conservative bloc.
Last year, it was revealed that Thomas had been taking luxury vacations funded by a billionaire real estate developer, Harlan Crow, for over 20 years without disclosing the trips. Thomas defended himself at that time by stating that he was advised that it was not necessary to report this type of personal hospitality. As a result of this revelation, calls for greater transparency and accountability have been growing among legal experts and activists alike.
