LOUISVILLE — Jefferson Family Court Judge Angela Johnson has refused to remove herself from the contentious divorce case involving former Gov. Matt Bevin and his ex-wife, Glenna, who have claimed she is biased and seeking media attention due to the case’s high profile.
“This court holds no personal bias or prejudice against or in favor of any party or attorney involved,” Johnson stated in her April 16 order. “This court has provided fair and impartial rulings thus far and will continue to do so . . .”
Johnson issued the order as the Bevins requested Debra Hembree Lambert, chief justice of the state Supreme Court, to remove her from the case.
Before making a decision, Lambert referred the matter back to Johnson, giving her the opportunity to determine whether she would recuse herself. In an April 10 order, Lambert stated that Johnson should first rule on the request.
In a 15-page response, Johnson “respectfully declines” to step aside, stating that while the Bevins presented “a great deal of speculation as to this court’s motivations,” they failed to demonstrate any unfair conduct.
“By disqualifying herself when no grounds to do so apply, this court would be improperly avoiding her duty to render a decision in a matter assigned to her,” the order said.
The case will now return to the Supreme Court, where Lambert will decide whether Johnson should remain on the case.
This development marks the latest chapter in an ongoing legal battle involving the Bevins’ estranged adopted son, Jonah, who has intervened in the case seeking financial support and assistance with his education. The Bevins have opposed his involvement, including filing unsuccessful appeals with the state Court of Appeals.
Jonah, now 19, claims the Bevins abandoned him at age 17 in a youth facility in Jamaica that was later shut down by authorities, forcing him to return to the United States with help from child advocates. He was one of four children the couple adopted from Ethiopia in 2012, and they have nine children in total.
Jonah’s attorneys, John H. Helmers and Melina Hettiaratchi, welcomed Johnson’s decision, calling it part of “the ongoing saga.”
“The simple fact is that no one, not even Matt Bevin, is above the law,” they said. “No one gets to pick their own judge when they disagree with a court’s decision. We look forward to getting Jonah his day in court.”
Jason Bowman, attorney for Glenna Bevin, noted that the final decision now rests with the Supreme Court.
“Until the chief justice rules on that motion, there is nothing further we can do at the trial court level,” Bowman said in an email. “We will continue to advocate for our client’s interests through the proper legal channels.”
Matt Bevin’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
In March, Matt Bevin asked the Supreme Court to remove Johnson, alleging bias and claiming she was using him “as a political pinata” to gain media attention. Glenna Bevin later joined the request.
In her April 16 order, Johnson disputed multiple claims made by the Bevins, including allegations that she had “pre-judged” key issues such as whether Jonah received an adequate education or could support himself.
Jonah’s attorneys have argued that his high school diploma is a “sham” from an unaccredited online program.
Matt Bevin has maintained that Jonah earned a valid diploma and told the court in April 2025 he would provide proof of accreditation. However, documents later submitted under seal indicated that the school “was not accredited by any recognized agency,” according to Johnson’s order.
“The court has not committed itself to ruling either way on Jonah’s education,” Johnson wrote, adding that the Bevins were given opportunities to provide evidence but failed to do so.
Johnson also addressed Bevin’s claims that she was attempting to “smear” him and his ex-wife due to his status as a former governor and was seeking media attention to support her reelection campaign.
She rejected those claims, stating she has treated Bevin like any other party in court and emphasized that financial information is necessary to determine whether Jonah is entitled to support.
She also denied any involvement in media coverage of the case.
“Neither this court or any of her staff have engaged with the media,” Johnson wrote. “This court has no control over how much media attention this matter receives.”
Johnson further dismissed claims that she wrongly accused the Bevins of acting in “bad faith” regarding financial disclosures, stating that the information they eventually provided was heavily redacted after delays.
Meanwhile, Jonah continues to face uncertainty, his attorneys said. He is reportedly living with acquaintances out of state, working temporary jobs, and nearing homelessness.
In a previous order, Johnson suggested that Matt Bevin attempted to “delay and frustrate” a March 27 hearing regarding Jonah’s request for support and educational assistance.
Bevin’s request to the Supreme Court to remove Johnson delayed that hearing and helped him avoid potential arrest for contempt of court.
That request temporarily halted enforcement of Johnson’s March 24 order sentencing him to 60 days in jail for contempt, related to his failure to provide detailed financial records. An arrest warrant allowed him to avoid jail by posting a $500 bond and submitting the required information.
Appeals Court Judge Audra Eckerle later ruled that, under Kentucky law, the trial court lacks jurisdiction until the Supreme Court decides whether to remove the judge.
Glenna Bevin was not held in contempt after Jonah’s attorneys confirmed she had provided sufficient financial information.
Although the Bevins’ divorce was finalized last year, a final financial settlement remains pending as the court considers whether Jonah is entitled to support.
The Bevins have argued that Kentucky law does not allow children to intervene in divorce proceedings or seek child support.
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