A copy of the complaint obtained by USA TODAY Network – Florida notes that “on or about July 3, 2022, a nearly nude dancer was filmed parading a young girl through the audience” at R House.
Investigators from DPBR also went to the establishment on multiple occasions and observed children at the drag performances, according to the complaint, which states that “the sexualized nature of the Brunch performances is pervasive.”
“They actually had agents going to this place and effectively just gathering information, getting intelligence, seeing what’s going on,” DeSantis said. “And what they found was, not only were there minors there — and these are sexually explicit drag shows — the bar had a children’s menu. And you think to yourself: ‘Give me a break, what’s going on?”
R House is accused of violating provisions in state law targeting public nuisances, lewd activity, disorderly conduct and indecent exposure, according to the complaint.
The first count is based on a Florida law that states an individual who owns, leases or maintains a building that “becomes manifestly injurious to the morals or manners of the people” as defined by state law “is deemed to be maintaining a nuisance” and that facility can be “declared a nuisance.”
The complaint adds that the state Supreme Court “has recognized that ‘men impersonating women’ in the context of ‘suggestive and indecent’ performances constitutes a public nuisance.”
The last count states that R House violated Florida’s indecent exposure statute by allowing drag show performers to expose sexual organs in “a vulgar or indecent manner.”
The owners of R House said in a statement issued by a public relations firm that the state’s actions are based on “a misunderstanding,” but didn’t elaborate.
“We are aware of the complaint and are currently working with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation, through our attorney, to rectify the situation,” the statement reads. “We are hopeful that Governor DeSantis, a vociferous supporter and champion of Florida’s hospitality industry and small businesses, will see this as what it is, a misunderstanding, and that the matter will be resolved positively and promptly.”
R House’s website advertises its drag shows.
“Join us for a truly unforgettable brunch featuring outstanding performances all through the day from Miami’s most fabulous drag performers,” the website read. “Brunch has NEVER been so entertaining.”
Drag shows that allow children in the audience have become a recent big target of conservatives, with critics on the right arguing that such performances are inappropriate for younger individuals.
DeSantis has indicated that parents who take their children to these events could be targeted by state child protective services, and GOP Florida state Rep. Anthony Sabatini said he would push legislation seeking to revoke the parental rights of parents who bring their kids to these shows.
“I will be proposing Legislation to charge w/ a Felony & terminate the parental rights of any adult who brings a child to these perverted sex shows aimed at FL kids,” Sabatini tweeted.
DeSantis clashed with LGBTQ activists earlier this year after pushing a bill signed into law, Parental Rights in Education, limiting how sexual orientation and gender identity can be discussed in schools. Critics labeled it the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Follow Herald-Tribune Political Editor Zac Anderson on Twitter at @zacjanderson. He can be reached at zac.anderson@heraldtribune.com
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