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Never forget this video of a lawyer who turned on Zoom’s cat filter during a hearing

“I’m not a cat” was a legitimate statement argued by lawyer Rod Ponton during a Zoom court case in Texas that went viral.

In an unfortunate turn of events, a U.S. lawyer copped the sharp end of Zoom during a court hearing. When a cute kitten filter took over his screen, Ponton claimed he was in fact a human man, but the photo below is damning evidence that he may, in fact, be Rod Purr-ton.

This video just leaves us with one question. Will the real Rod Ponton please stand up?

Viral zoom call

“Mr. Ponton I believe you have a filter turned on in your video settings,” said Hon. Judge Roy B. Ferguson to the (adorably fluffy) lawyer. Ponton replied in a tone so earnest it could only be that of a lawyer’s, “I’ve got my assistant here and she’s trying to remove it but uh … I’m prepared to go forward with it. I’m here live. I’m not a cat.” 

To which Judge Ferguson added, as if ripped from the end of a sit-com scene, “I can see that.” The mishap took place during a real case involving a real man trying to exit America with contraband cash.

Less than a minute-long, the Zoom video has received millions of views on the 349th District Court of Texas YouTube channel. Judge Ferguson also posted the video to his own Twitter account with a caption that praised Ponton for his professionalism and dignity, as the legal world keeps on turning despite the pandemic.

Alas, some sceptics have questioned the veracity of the “I am not a cat” statement… as that is exactly what a cat would say, wouldn’t it?

The cat/not cat saga even grabbed the attention of Nigella Lawson. Although Ponton told VICE that he was initially unaware that the court had posted the video and was concerned to have his name attached, he eventually came around and said on the viral nature of the clip, “If I can make the country chuckle for a moment in these difficult times they’re going through, I’m happy to let them do that at my expense,” Ponton told The New York Times

Check out the hilarious Zoom video below: