Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis‘ (R) office launched an investigation into a Christmas-themed drag show after complaints were made that the “sexually explicit” show was “marketed to children.”
The “Drag Queen Christmas” event was part of a national tour visiting the Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The venue may be at risk at losing their liquor license and permission to operate if investigators find wrongdoing.
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“The Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) is aware of multiple complaints about a sexually explicit performance marketed to children held in Fort Lauderdale on December 26th,” read a statement from DeSantis press secretary Bryan Griffin. “The Department is actively investigating this matter, including video footage and photographs from the event. DPBR will, like in other cases, take action. Exposing children to sexually explicit activity is a crime in Florida, and such action violates the Department’s licensing standards for operating a business and holding a liquor license.”
A spokesperson for the Broward Center said that tickets were not sold to minors and that they were only admitted if they were brought by a parent. The spokesperson also said that ticket holders were emailed ahead of time with a warning of the sexual themes of the show.
Another show is slated for Thursday in Clearwater, Florida, and the DBPR wrote to the Ruth Eckerd Hall on Wednesday telling them that the venue’s operational license will likely be revoked if minors are let in. Ruth Eckerd Hall said that it will card attendees to ensure cooperation.
