Restaurant’s Drag Shows Reportedly to Continue Amid State Complaint

Published Jul. 29, 2022, 11:41 a.m. ET | Updated Jul. 29, 2022

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July 29, 2022 Updated 11:41 A.M. ET

MIAMI (FLV) – A Miami restaurant facing criticism for a viral video of an “exposed” performer with a young child at a drag show said the weekend’s drag shows reportedly will continue amid a state probe.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) this week served a complaint to R House Wynwood after a “nearly nude dancer was filmed parading a young girl” through the audience.

The restaurant has 21 days to respond to the administrative complaint and could lose its liquor license.

“As of right now we are set to continue this weekend,” said Larry Carrino, spokesman for R House, told the Sun Sentinel. “There are no plans to alter operation while the client and their attorney are working with the state to remedy the situation.”

The complaint says there is a “series of lewd brunch performances” in front of kids.

Gov. Ron DeSantis condemned the restaurant for allowing drag shows in front of kids.

“We said wait a minute, having kids involved in this is wrong. That is not consistent with our law and policy in the state of Florida. And it is a disturbing trend in our society to try to sexualize these young people,” DeSantis said. “That is not the way you look out for our children. You protect children. You do not expose them to things that are inappropriate.”

The restaurant had told Florida Politics that it was a “misunderstanding.”

“We are hopeful that Gov. 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,” Carrino said.

Democratic State Rep. Anna Eskamani would not say whether she thought the incident in the viral video was appropriate or not for kids. Eskamani said the governor is tarteting LGBTQ+ people.

“Sad to see the free state of Florida hunt down LGBTQ+ establishments and try to cancel them. The performer’s costume is revealing, but if Governor DeSantis has a concern about sexually explicit content being accessible to those under the age of 18, then let’s have a discussion of all forms and venues: Hooters, beaches, magazines, belly dancers. Not intentionally target one establishment in an effort to score political points and target LGBTQ+ people,” Eskamani said.

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