Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ administration on Friday decided to strip an Orlando performing arts center of its liquor license in retaliation for hosting an expensive holiday-themed show in December.
A 27-page complaint filed by the state’s Department of Business and Professional Regulation said the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation “knowingly welcomed” attendees under 18 to watch “A Drag Queen Christmas” against Florida law.
The move comes as DeSantis, a far-right Republican, continues to wage a war against drag artists and smear members of the LGBTQ community with allegations of child abuse as he plans to run for the White House.
The civil complaint acknowledged that a sign at the venue, called The Plaza Live, warns adults to bring minors, but said it was “barely visible.”
The sign implicitly instructed parents to make their own decisions — something DeSantis hailed as a “basic right” in parenting.
The Dec. 28 event was billed as the eighth annual holiday drag show. Photos from the scene show at least two children apparently being led around in public. The complaint also contained still images of the scene; one featured a screen with a finger pointing at a Christmas wreath. Others showed shirtless men and a drag queen in a costume with horns.
The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation
Songs performed included “Screwdolph the Red-Nippled Reindeer,” which, according to the complaint, contained the following lyrics: “Then one wet Christmas Eve, Santa Claus came and said, ‘Screwdolph with your nipples so bright, no, you will drive my sleigh. Tonight?'”
A representative of the Florida Department of Business Regulation told The Orlando Sentinel that the venue can continue to sell alcohol while the complaint is being processed.
The complaint outlined six civil charges for violating Florida statutes regarding obscene content placed where minors could see it. No criminal charges have been filed.
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