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DeSantis Admin Responds to Reports That Kids Were Spotted At Explicit Drag Show After Venue Was Warned Not to Allow Minors


The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has responded to reports that children were allowed inside an explicit Christmas drag show, despite the state telling the venue that minors could not be permitted to attend.

The DBPR had sent a letter to the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation on Wednesday, the day of the event, alerting them that they needed to make “A Drag Queen Christmas” 18 plus.

“It has come to the Department’s attention that you have contracted with Big Time Operator, LLC d/b/a ‘Drag Fans’ to offer the use of your licensed premises to conduct the ‘drag show’ performance,” the department wrote in the letter, explaining that the show contains “exposure or exhibition of sexual organs, simulated sexual activity, and/or the sexualization of children’s stories.”

The event, which has been touring the United States, was previously marketed as all-ages.

“Sexually explicit drag show performances constitute public nuisances, lewd activity, and disorderly conduct when minors are in attendance,” the letter continues, explaining that there are “strict penalties for licensees who allow minors to attend these drag shows at their licensed premises.”

The agency warned that it is “your obligation to ensure that minors are prohibited from attending the Drag Fans drag show.”

“If minors are allowed to attend this drag show, the Department will take any and actions available to ensure that you do not pose a threat to minors in the future,” the letter concluded.

At least one video, allegedly taken at the event, was posted to social media showing a small child in the crowd.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office told Florida’s Voice that the Department of Business & Professional Regulation will “act accordingly” once its investigation of the drag show is complete.

Speaking to the Daily Caller, a spokesperson said that “DBPR is actively investigating this matter. As stated in the letter our agency sent yesterday [Wednesday], ‘If minors are allowed to attend this drag show, the Department will take any and all actions available to ensure that you do not pose a threat to minors in the future.'”

“The Department will complete its investigation and act accordingly.”

The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation has not responded to a request for comment.

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