According to the report, the complaint should result in the state revoking the institution’s liquor license.
VIDEO OF ALL-AGES DRAG SHOW IN FRONT OF CHILDREN IGNITES OUTRAGE: ‘THIS IS CLEAR CHILD ABUSE’
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' filed a complaint against a Florida venue for exposing kids to sexual material in a recent drag show. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
Fox News Digital reported DeSantis opening an investigation into the December show last year, stating, "Gov. Ron DeSantis' administration announced Tuesday that it is investigating a Christmas drag show event that allegedly exposed children to ‘sexualized acts.’"
The show featured "sexually provocative content," including a drag queen displaying "t*ts in a box" and engaging in "lewd dances."
The event was held at the Broward Center of the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, and held as part of the national tour "A Drag Queen Christmas."
At the time, DeSantis Press Secretary Bryan Griffin confirmed the administration’s investigation. In a statement published last year, Griffin said, "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. The Department is actively investigating this matter."
The Floridian’s Friday report provided the latest developments in the investigation, claiming DeSantis has filed the six-count charge through the DBPR.
The official complaint claimed, "On December 28, 2022, Respondent hosted and supported a ticketed event titled ‘A Drag Queen Christmas’ (‘the Show’) on the Licensed Premises and sold alcoholic beverages to patrons in attendance. Respondent promoted the Show using targeted, Christmas-themed promotional materials that did not provide notice to the sexually explicit nature of the Show’s performances or other content."
CHURCH-SPONSORED LGBTQ PRIDE EVENT PROMOTES ‘KID’S ACTIVITIES,' ‘DRAG SHOWS’
A drag queen lip syncs a song for Pride Month on the children-centric YouTube channel Queer Kids Stuff. (Queer Kids Stuff/YouTube screenshot)
The complaint also charged that the show provided "promotional materials" that "unequivocally stated ‘[a]ll ages welcome.’"
In addition, the administration claimed that, "prior to the Show" it "sent a letter to Respondent notifying Respondent that ‘[s]exually explicit drag show performances constitute public nuisances, lewd activity, and disorderly conduct when minors are in attendance’" and warned that if it failed to keep minors away from the show it would be "subject to penalties up to and including revocation" of its liquor and tobacco license.
Lastly the complaint charged that the foundation "nevertheless allowed minors to attend the Show," despite the warning.
The Floridian listed that potential charges against the Orlando Philharmonic Foundation include "a lewd or lascivious exhibition to victims under 16, using the venue for lewd activity knowing children are present, unlawful exposure of sexual organs in a vulgar/indecent manner to children," among others.
The outlet noted that the filing of several more complaints is possible.
A recent statement from Griffin summed up the complaint, saying that the DBPR "warned the Orlando Philharmonic Foundation, Inc. against hosting a sexually explicit show with children present. The venue proceeded with their plans and, according to an investigation by the Department, the venue (Respondent in the complaint) violated Florida statutes as outlined in the attached complaint."
As such, "the Department is revoking the venue’s license for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages," he added.
Drag queen "Pickle" reads from a book during the Drag Queen Story Hour program at the West Valley Regional Branch Library on July 26, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Drag Queen Story Hour is a program featuring drag queens reading stories to children at libraries, schools, and bookstores in cities across the nation. MassResistance, which has targeted Drag Queen Story Hour program is several cities, uses aggressive techniques to disrupt and generate conflict at city counsel meetings, pro-Trump demonstrations and anti-LGBTQ protests. Some far-right Christian groups support the organization while the Southern Poverty Law Center considers them a hate group. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images) (David McNew/Getty Images)