Ukrainian ‘meme star’ judge resigns (PHOTOS)

Justice Alla Bandura became an internet sensation after her images went viral

A Ukrainian judge, who was once compared to a Disney villain, has retired after 39 years on the bench, the Mash Telegram channel reported on Wednesday.

Alla Bandura went viral in March 2017, after a photo emerged of her at work at the court in the region of Rovnen in northwestern Ukraine. The image turned the judge into a meme star in Ukraine and outside the country.

Лицо судебной системы Украины судья Алла Бандура👀 pic.twitter.com/PeLdRgTGxK

— Малюта Скуратов (@IgorIvs2) October 30, 2024

Web surfers likened the judge’s unusual looks – with quiffed, two-tone hair, extreme eyeliner, and bright red lipstick – to ‘Little Mermaid’ villain Ursula.

Users also said that her makeup resembled the Joker’s face or one of the characters of the video game ‘Fallout’. Some suggested that her face reflected the real state of affairs in the Ukrainian judicial system.

At the time, in conversation with Ukrainian media, Bandura explained that the viral photo was made ten years ago, stressing that she had done her makeup in a rush, as she had to get back to work after having an official photo taken for the court. 

Bandura went on to say that a judge must be psychologically prepared for any situation, stressing that she was not offended by the comments on social media.

“I even forgive the person who first leaked the photo. Although it would have been more honest if they asked me before publishing it,” she said.