Actress Justine Bateman has criticized supporters of accused killer Lindsay Clancy, describing public displays of backing for the Massachusetts mother as broken.
The 60-year-old star shared two photos of herself cradling her children on Instagram on Tuesday as demonstrations grew outside the court in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and messages of sympathy circulated across social media.
"Considering the very disturbing and macabre case and 'support videos' about mothering and babies, here's some counter-programming," Bateman wrote in her post caption.
"Moms who love their kids far outnumber the broken display we've seen lately. #ILoveMyKids," she added.
Bateman, who is the sister of actor Jason Bateman, has been married to her husband Mark Fluent since 2001. The couple share a son, Duke, and a daughter, Gianetta.
Clancy, 36, is on trial for the 2023 deaths of her three children, five-year-old Cora, three-year-old Dawson, and eight-month-old Callan, at their family home in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Prosecutors say Clancy strangled the children with exercise bands before attempting to take her own life. The suicide attempt failed, leaving her paralyzed and permanently using a wheelchair.
Although Clancy admitted to killing her children, she has pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity, citing postpartum psychosis. She is seeking to be committed to a state mental health facility rather than serve a prison sentence.
Bateman is known for expressing outspoken views on public issues. She rose to fame as a teenager on the hit 1980s sitcom Family Ties, playing Keaton daughter Mallory for seven seasons from 1982 until 1989.
Her television career also includes roles on Men Behaving Badly, Californication and Desperate Housewives.
Last year, Bateman publicly accused Prince Harry and Meghan Markle of being "disaster tourists" after the couple volunteered during the Los Angeles wildfires.
Prosecution Rebuttal and Trial Schedule
The actress shared her comments as Clancy's trial entered its final stages following five weeks of testimony. Prosecutors claim Clancy carefully planned the January 2023 killings and contrived to send her husband, Patrick Clancy, out of the house so she could carry them out.
On Tuesday, FBI forensic psychiatrist Dr Gregory Saathoff took the stand as the prosecution's final rebuttal witness in the murder trial.
Following Dr Saathoff's testimony, Judge William Sullivan dismissed the jury for the day. Judge Sullivan advised that evidence in the trial will likely conclude on Wednesday before he meets with attorneys.
The judge anticipates closing arguments on Thursday, after which the jury will begin deliberations to decide Clancy's fate.
Courthouse Demonstrations and Public Reaction
Bateman's post followed a large demonstration outside the courthouse last week, where around 400 women gathered in solidarity with Clancy in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The group cheered and clapped as a Plymouth County Sheriff's Department van carrying Clancy rolled past.
Some attendees drove overnight from New York City with their young children, while others traveled seven hours from Maine to attend what has been called "America's saddest murder trial."
One pregnant mother who attended with a friend and three small children spoke to reporters outside the court. "The healthcare failed her, and that's just tragic," she said. "We're both mothers and both experienced postpartum anxiety and depression."
Another woman noted the fear surrounding maternal mental health struggles, stating: "It's scary to speak out. You don't want to get judged and you don't want somebody to take your child."
Several women present said they felt they could have been in Clancy's position. Many who struggled with postpartum depression or anxiety noted that Clancy's experience of reaching out for help only to feel unsupported was painfully familiar.
Growing Interest in High-Profile Trials
Public obsession with criminal trials has grown significantly in recent years, with high-profile court cases drawing devoted followers both online and in person.
Last year in nearby Canton, Massachusetts, spectators turned out for the second trial of Karen Read, who was accused in the death of her boyfriend, Boston officer John O'Keefe. Read became a symbol of revolt against police corruption for her supporters.
During the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger last summer, another group of trial followers camped outside the courthouse from 9 p.m. the previous evening. Similarly, during the trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in Virginia, fans gathered outside the court dressed in pirate costumes.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Bateman for comment regarding her post.
