DeSantis files complaint against Orlando Philharmonic over holiday drag event

The administration of Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis filed a complaint against the Orlando Philharmonic Plaza Foundation for allegedly violating state law by hosting a holiday drag event with minors in the audience.

The Department of Business and Professional Regulation filed the complaint against the Orlando foundation for hosting "A Drag Queen Christmas," which was advertised with the description of "All ages welcome."

Children appearing to be under the age of 6 attended the show despite the government of Florida's warning to the Orlando foundation that its liquor license could be subject to penalties or even revoked if it failed to prohibit minors from attending, according to the complaint obtained by the outlet the Floridan Press.

The venue responded to the state by placing a sign on a door stating that access will not be restricted to minors, but "please be advised some may think the context is not appropriate for under 18." The state said the notice was "barely visible" and "printed in small font on a piece of paper taped to a door." 

The complaint details six alleged violations of Florida statutes including "disorderly conduct" and "exposing or exhibiting ... sexual organs in public." 

Gov. Ron DeSantis' press secretary Bryan Griffin said in December that the state agency was "aware of multiple complaints about a sexually explicit performance marketed to children" when "A Drag Queen Christmas" went on tour of the state.