Brandon Tatum Denies Prior Connection to Wells Case Judge

Brandon Tatum, host of "The Officer Tatum Show," has responded to criticism surrounding his recent interview with Warren Hudson, defending his decision to provide a platform for the friend of Nolan Wells, the Mississippi teenager whose death has sparked widespread attention.

In an interview with TMZ In the Know published Tuesday, July 29, 2026, Tatum addressed speculation that Mississippi Chancery Court Judge Ashlee Cole selected him for the interview because his conservative political views would ensure favorable coverage for Hudson's family.

Tatum stated he had never communicated with Cole prior to her reaching out to arrange the interview. He argued that families seeking to share their perspective naturally gravitate toward media figures they believe will present their story accurately and without bias.

Drawing a parallel, Tatum noted that Christine Wonsley, Nolan's mother, enlisted prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent her family's interests following her son's death. He suggested both families were exercising their right to choose advocates they trusted.

The podcast host also dismissed concerns about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Cole's position as a sitting judge. He emphasized that her jurisdiction covers family court proceedings and does not extend to criminal investigations, making her role in facilitating the interview separate from any legal proceedings related to the case.

Tatum further contended that if Cole wielded the kind of influence critics attribute to her, Hudson would not be facing public accusations of involvement in his friend's death, nor would the family need to turn to social media platforms to present their account of events.

During his appearance on Tatum's program, Hudson denied any involvement in Wells' death or allegations that he tampered with the teenager's phone. He maintained that he and others in their group repeatedly urged Nolan to leave Horn Island with them before the teen vanished.

The case continues to generate significant public interest as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding Wells' death. The competing narratives from both families have fueled debate about media responsibility and the role of public figures in high-profile investigations.