Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has filed a complaint against the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation, accusing the non-profit organization of violating state laws on lewdness and public nuisance by holding a sexually explicit drag show in December in the presence of minors. The complaint, filed through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, seeks to revoke the foundation’s liquor license. This is at least the second time that DeSantis’ administration has taken legal action against a venue for hosting a drag performance in the presence of minors.
According to the administrative complaint, the foundation advertised the performance, dubbed “A Drag Queen Christmas,” as holiday-themed and suitable for all ages. The Department of Business and Professional Regulation reportedly sent a letter to the foundation before the show, warning that sexually explicit drag shows can be considered public nuisances, lewd activities, and disorderly conduct in the presence of minors. Despite this warning, the foundation reportedly allowed minors to attend and posted a sign outside the entrance advising that some may find the content inappropriate for those under 18.
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The complaint alleges that the show featured acts of sexual conduct, simulated sexual activity, and lewd displays, including performers intentionally exposing prosthetic female breasts and prosthetic genitalia to the audience. It also claims that the foundation violated six Florida statutes by allowing minors to attend the show. The Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but its board of directors issued a statement saying that The Plaza Live, which it owns and operates, is a “welcoming and inclusive establishment that operates in good faith and compliance with all applicable laws.”
