Hayley Kiyoko has spoken out after a police officer warned her against bringing drag queens on stage at her concert in Nashville, Tennessee.
In a video shared to the singer-songwriter’s Instagram on 2 May, she told fans she was “upset” after an “unbelievable” encounter with an undercover police officer at the venue.
“Apparently my show, because it’s all ages, we can’t have drag performers at my show,” she tearfully explained. “So, we’re trying to figure out if there’s a workaround or what this situation is, but this is fucked up. This is so fucked and I’m so sorry to my community and just devastated, I’m just devastated. This is just not right, it’s not okay and my heart just goes out to everyone navigating this. It’s not okay.”
Further detailing the experience in the caption, Hayley shared that she was told bringing out drag performers “could result in legal action” – despite Tennessee’s drag ban not taking effect until 26 May at the earliest after a judge temporarily blocked the law last month.
READ MORE: Drag is under attack – but these queens aren’t backing down anytime soon
SB003 would see drag shows prevented from taking place within 1,000 feet of a school, church or park if there is any possibility of a minor seeing – even if it is only through a window.
A first violation of the law is considered a misdemeanour offence with potential jail time of 11 months and 29 days.
Subsequent violations will be considered felonies and can carry a prison sentence of up to six years, as well as a fine of up to $3,000 (£2,400).
“I never want to put anyone in a position to be at risk or in danger in any way,” the Girls Like Girls singer continued. “But also where is the line of being silenced? How do we navigate these absurd
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