Sex & Gender /

Burbank Mayor Condemns Critics Over Drag Queen Spanking As Homophobic, Transphobic

Konstantine Anthony: 'Right-Wing Organizations Including Fox News, Have Spread Misleading Information To Fuel Fear, Discrimination, And Hate'

Published: September 15, 2023
  |   By Christopher Bertman

Burbank, California Mayor Konstantine Anthony has condemned “homophobia” and “transphobia” after a video of Anthony being spanked by a drag performer during a Democrat-hosted event went viral.

The video in question, originally shared to WiseNuts podcast’s Instagram page, featured Anthony being spanked by a drag performer during a Drag Queen Bingo fundraiser in Santa Clarita. The event was reportedly advertised for people ages 15 and up.

WiseNuts revealed the man being spanked as the Burbank Mayor with several “facepalm” emojis.

“Jealous???” Anthony commented on WiseNuts’ post.

Mayor Anthony, who is currently running for Los Angeles County Supervisor, slammed the use of Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ event for “political gain” by critics.

“For several days, extremist right-wing organizations including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate,” he said of the viral video. “I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”

“On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization,” he said, noting that no “officially endorsed candidates,” state or federal political figures were present. “The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above, however, there were no attendees below 18.”

“Additionally, no children were present,” he said.

Anthony said he refuses to engage with “baseless outrage” following the viral video, adding Drag Queen Bingo was a “widely loved” event “embraced by Diverse Santa Clarita community groups” including family associations and religions organizations.

“Fabricating claims about children, the event’s true nature, or the guest list for the sake of political attention is reprehensible and unacceptable,” he continued. “As a Democrat, my focus remains on addressing the real challenges in our community, such as advocating for working families, safeguarding our environment for future generations, fighting to end homelessness, and addressing LA’s housing crisis.”

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to standing with the LGBTQ+ community, and I firmly oppose homophobia and transphobia,” he added.

Earlier this week, Santa Clarita Valley Democrats responded to the event in a similarly worded statement condemning “sensationalized and inaccurate” use of the event for “political bait” in promotion of “fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry.”

“We continue to stand in our support of the LGBTQ+ community and Drag performers,” the statement said.

“To lie about children, the nature of the event, or who was in attendance for political clout is shameful and sick,” the statement continued. “As Democrats, we choose to focus on the issues that actually face our community; like building an economy that works for everyone, protecting our environment so future generations have a planet to live on, and fighting for working families.”

“We will always stand with the LGBTQ+ community and against homophobia and transphobia,” the statement concluded.

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