A short clip from the hearing in the Colorado Court of Appeals on Tuesday has circulated widely on Bluesky, where it has been seen thousands of times.

The case, People v Delgato, centred on whether a man’s criminal convictions should have been imposed consecutively or concurrently.

Attorney William Kozeliski, making submissions on behalf of the state, appeared to slip up under questioning from Judge Elizabeth L. Harris.

Responding to one of her questions, he says: “I know but, honey, or – oh my god, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, your honour. That, that, that, I don’t know what to say to that. I apologise.”

After the judge prompts him to continue, he tries but trails off, explaining: “I’m sorry, your honour, I’ve just been totally thrown by my mistake.”

She responds: “Yeah, I can imagine. I can imagine. I’m a little thrown by that also, if I’m being honest.”

Later in the livestream, but not in the clip circulating on social media, Mr Kozeliski apologises again and the judge tells him: “I accept your apology.”

“My brain didn’t turn on and I apologise profusely,” he adds.

Attorneys on Bluesky described the clip as “the new worst thing”, another adding: “Whatever happened after ‘honey’ I will never know because I could not bear to watch any more.”