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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag Performers Crash Trump's Date Night at the Kennedy Center to Protest His Anti-'Woke' Agenda
A group of drag queens and one drag king attended the same Kennedy Center performance of Les Misérables as Donald and Melania Trump on June 11. While the president, first lady and other MAGA A-listers received a mixed reception, drag performers Tara Hoot, Mari Con Carne, Ricky Rosé and Vagenesis entered to applause and cheers from the crowd. The subtle protest came after Trump seized control of the Kennedy Center's board and named himself chairman in February, insisting that he would specifically ban drag shows from the Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump received a mixed reception of cheers and boos when they attended the Kennedy Center's opening night performance of Les Misérables on Wednesday, June 11. However, a group of drag performers who arrived ahead of the first couple received applause and admiration from the crowd. Videos captured by fellow attendees showed Tara Hoot, Mari Con Carne, Ricky Rosé and Vagenesis — all in full drag — smiling and waving as they took their seats ahead of the performance. An Instagram post by Qommittee, a "national network of drag performers fighting hate and censorship," confirmed that the performers' attendance was a "protest of Trump's presence at the show, following his ban of drag at the center." "FREE EXPRESSION MEANS EVERYONE. NO EXCEPTIONS," the post added. Tara Hoot reflected on the experience in a video following the show, saying, "The staff at the Kennedy Center, they were just delighted to see us walk in." "Kudos to all of you bringing art to the world," the self-proclaimed "campy and kind" queen continued. "Unfortunately, there were some other people there, but I think we brought the audience as much as we possibly could." The subtle demonstration comes after Trump seized control of the Kennedy Center board — naming himself chairman and installing special envoy Richard Grenell as the president and interim director — in February, shortly after taking office for his second term. 'I want to make sure it runs properly,' Trump said of his motives at the time. 'We don't need woke at the Kennedy Center, and we don't need — some of the shows were terrible. They were a disgrace that they were even put on.' When a reporter asked a follow-up question about whether he had 'seen any shows there,' the president admitted, 'No.' 'I get reports they were so bad… I didn't want to go,' he explained. 'There was nothing I wanted to see.' On Monday, Feb. 10, Trump announced Grenell's appointment on Truth Social, specifically calling out his belief that the Kennedy Center had featured drag performances. "NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST. RIC, WELCOME TO SHOW BUSINESS!" Trump wrote. In another post, Trump again claimed that the performing arts theater had put on 'Drag Shows specifically targeting our youth." "THIS WILL STOP," he continued. "The Kennedy Center is an American Jewel, and must reflect the brightest STARS on its stage from all across our Nation. For the Kennedy Center, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!' Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. Wednesday's Les Mis performance — which was also attended by Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance — was always expected to feature a slightly different cast than most Kennedy Center attendees will see during the show's month-long run. On May 7, CNN reported that at least 10 of the 12 actors in the musical were not planning to perform on the night the Trumps attended. According to sources who spoke to the outlet, the cast was given the option to not perform, and several ensemble members and starring cast members opted out. Somewhat ironically, Les Mis is a personal favorite of President Trump. In February, the U.S. Army Chorus performed the musical's protest anthem, "Do You Hear the People Sing?," at the 2025 White House Governors Ball. He also incorporated the song into his 2016 and 2024 presidential campaigns, with The Guardian reporting in 2022 that the politician "bizarrely" blasted the song ahead of announcing his 2024 candidacy. Many see the president's admiration for the song as an odd choice, given that the lyrics are sung from the point of view of French revolutionaries standing up against a powerful and corrupt ruling class. The lyrics include, "Do you hear the people sing? / Singing the song of angry men?/ It is the music of the people / Who will not be slaves again!" Read the original article on People
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Greeted With Boos, Cheers, Drag Queen Parade During First Visit to Kennedy Center For ‘Les Misérables' Performance
After appointing himself chair of the Kennedy Center and replacing its board members with loyalists, President Donald Trump's first-ever visit to the revered Washington, D.C. cultural center on Wednesday night (June 11) was likely not the warm welcome he expected. Taking his seat for the opening night of Les Misérables, the Associated Press reported that Trump was met with a mix of cheers and boos, as well as an unexpected parade of drag queens who sashayed past the first couple, seemingly in protest of Trump's previous vow of 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.' In addition, a dozen performers — from major cast members to ensemble performers — planned to sit out the show after being given the option not to perform on the night Trump was in the house to enjoy what he has said is one of his favorite musicals. The show about 19th century France features a song Trump has played at his rallies in the past, 'Do You Hear the People Sing?,' a revolutionary anthem inspired by the 1832 rebellion against King Louis-Phillipe of France. More from Billboard DJ Akademiks Denies Taking Payola From Drake During Kendrick Battle Raekwon and Ghostface Killah Release Trailer for 'Only Built 4 Cuban Linx' Documentary SEVENTEEN Have a Good Time Being a 'Bad Influence' in Futuristic Video For Pharrell-Produced Single The song's stirring lyrics about rising up against oppressive regimes has often been employed at pro-democracy protests around the globe, and on Wednesday one patron reportedly shouted 'Viva Los Angeles' as Trump left the presidential box for intermission, a seeming reference to the now nearly week-long protests in that city over the administration's immigration raids. In his second term, Trump — who admittedly had never attended a performance at the Kennedy Center in his first term, or ever — has swiftly moved to remake the organization in his own image. After installing himself as chairman of the Center, Trump also placed a number of loyalists on the typically non-partisan board and vowed to remove 'woke' shows from the roster. Subsequently, nearly two dozen events have been canceled or postponed, a number out of protest at Trump's takeover, including Hamilton, the National Youth Poet Laureate Commemoration, Saigon Nights, as well as shows by Peter Wolf, Low Cut Connie, Rhiannon Giddens, Issa Rae and many more. The AP reported that the show that tackles themes of protest, power, injustice and poverty featured the sounds of explosions and gunfire, with civilians clashing with soldiers on stage at the very same time that Los Angeles was put under curfew after protesters battled with police over immigration raids by ICE for a sixth day following Trump's call-up of Marines and National Guard troops to quell the protests. 'Someone explain the plot to him,' California Gov. Gavin Newsom wrote on X. In March, Vice President J.D. Vance and wife Usha were booed when they attended a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra and the AP also noted that sales of subscription packages have reportedly declined since the Trump makeover. CNN also reported that while some cheered and clapped for Trump and First Lady Melania Trump as they stood up at the end of the first act, one woman in the orchestra section below shouted, 'Felon, you're a convicted felon!' to the first U.S. president to take the office after being convicted of a felony. The women then added, 'Convicted felon, rapist!' before a security guard seemed to escort her out; Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in 2023 in a suit filed by writer E. Jean Carroll and in 2024 was convicted on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in an attempt to conceal hush money payments to porn actress Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. In addition, as the crowd awaited Trump's return to his seat, another person reportedly yelled, 'F–k Trump! to cheers, while a supportive patron responded with 'We love you.' The president seemingly reacted to the comments by pumping his first three times — reminiscent of his response after an assassination attempt last year in Pennsylvania in which a gunman fired at the then-candidate and nicked his ear. Check out the mixed reaction to Trump's Kennedy Center attendance below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag Queens Infiltrate MAGA's Big Night Out After Trump Takeover
President Donald Trump may have declared an end to drag shows at the Kennedy Center, but that didn't stop drag queens from showing up on a big night out for MAGA. Four drag queens were welcomed with resounding cheers on Wednesday as they walked into the storied arts institution for the gala opening of Les Misérables, which the president and First Lady Melania Trump also attended. Videos posted on X showed the performers donning voluminous curls and colorful gowns as they walked toward their seats while the crowd applauded them. It was the first big night for the Kennedy Center since Trump installed himself as its president and appointed loyalist Ric Grenell as executive director. Trump vowed in February to remake the renowned cultural center in his image: 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA — ONLY THE BEST.' Qommittee, a network of drag queens and fans, earlier told NPR that four to six performers planned to attend the big gala using tickets donated by attendees who chose to snub the event after Trump's takeover. Vagenesis, whose real name is Anderson Wells, told the radio network that she 'couldn't deny' speaking out against Trump's sweeping overhaul of the Kennedy Center. 'Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis, and it should be open and available to all,' she said. At least 10 cast members of Les Misérables, one of Trump's favorite musicals, decided to skip the event, highlighting the tensions between the president and members of the performing arts center over the pivot to what the president perceives as 'non-woke' programming. Asked on Wednesday about the actors who were planning to boycott him, Trump said, 'I couldn't care less!' 'All I do is run the country well,' he said. 'There's no inflation. People are happy. People are wealthy. The country is getting back to strength again… That's what I care about.'
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Trump Unironically Attends 'Les Misérables' As Protests Spread
As protests against his immigration policies balloon nationwide, President Donald Trump is seeing one of his favorite musicals on Wednesday night: 'Les Misérables,' the story of an anti-government uprising, abusive police and harsh imprisonment. Trump is going to opening night of the famous musical's one-month run at Washington, D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, whose entire board of trustees he replaced in February and had them name him chairman. 'We've seen it many times,' Trump said upon arriving at the Kennedy Center with first lady Melania Trump. 'Love it. One of my favorites.' When a reporter asked him which side of the musical's conflict he most identified with, Trump laughed and refused to answer. 'That's tough. You better answer that one, honey,' he said, gesturing to the first lady. 'I don't know.' When another reporter asked how he felt about reports that some of the 'Les Misérables' cast would be boycotting the night of his performance, Trump said he 'couldn't care less.' 'All I do is run the country well,' he retorted. Trump received a mixture of cheers and boos when he took his seat at the theater. His attendance comes after he deployed National Guard troops to face largely peaceful protesters in Los Angeles and announced he was sending in Marines, despite pushback from local leadership. 'Les Misérables,' the musical based on the 1862 novel of the same name, tells the story of French peasant Jean Valjean after he emerges from a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread for his niece. Much of the musical centers around student demonstrations against the French monarchy. One of the musical's most recognizable songs ― 'Do You Hear The People Sing?' ― has a long history as an anthem at pro-democracy demonstrations. It's also an apparent favorite of Trump's, as he played the song right before walking onstage to announce his third presidential run in 2022. Several drag performers also attended the show Wednesday night to protest Trump, who announced in February there would be 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA' at the Kennedy Center going forward. They received applause as they walked in to the theater, social media videos show. Vagenesis, whose government name is Anderson Wells, was one of the planned attendees. 'Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all,' Vagenesis told NPR on Wednesday. Trump's former Vice President Mike Pence similarly caused a stir when he went to see 'Hamilton' shortly after winning the 2016 election. He was loudly booed when he arrived at the Manhattan theater. When Pence was trying to exit the theater after the final curtain call, actor Brandon Dixon, who was playing the part of Aaron Burr, asked him to stay and delivered a message to him. 'We, sir, we are the diverse America, who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights,' Dixon said. 'We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us,' he continued. Pam Bondi Warns Of More Arrests In California Amid Protests Against Immigration Raids Karoline Leavitt Snaps At Reporter For 'Stupid Question' About Peaceful Protests There's Growing Anger Over Flags Flown At LA Protests. Here's What Everyone Is Getting Wrong.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag stars are set to attend, then protest, Trump's appearance at Les Misérables
A group of drag stars is expected to be at Wednesday night's performance of Les Misérables at the John F. Kennedy Center where they plan to protest President Trump and Vice President Vance's scheduled attendance. It will be the president's first show at the historic Washington, D.C. venue since he canned the board and took control, firing previous leadership and installing himself as chairman. Trump, 78, ignited fury over his decision to take the reigns of the Kennedy Center, as he pledged to scrap 'woke' programming aligned with what he called leftist ideology. On social media, the president wrote there would be 'NO MORE DRAG SHOWS, OR OTHER ANTI-AMERICAN PROPAGANDA.' So when some of the ticket holders for Wednesday night's show found out that Trump, Vance and their wives, Melania and Usha, would be in attendance, they donated their tickets, according to Qommittee, a network of drag performers, fans and allies, as reported by Houston Public Media. Vagenesis, one of the four to six performers planning to attend, told NPR she is protesting in response to the president's pledge to put a stop to drag shows at the center. 'Theater is supposed to be a place of community, a place of storytelling, a place of celebration, joy, catharsis and it should be open and available to all,' Vagenesis said. As a result of Trump's actions, several members of the company are expected to boycott the president's attendance by not performing. Cast members have remained silent on social media regarding the Kennedy Center run, but multiple reports indicate up to a dozen performers will sit out Wednesday's show. 'The cast was given the option to not perform the night Trump will be in the audience, and both major cast members and members of the ensemble are among those sitting out,' CNN reported last month. A representative from the Les Miserables company told The Independent: 'The National Tour of Les Misérables is looking forward to performing for D.C. audiences beginning tonight and throughout the engagement at the Kennedy Center, where the U.S. first saw the original production in 1986.' Historically, the Kennedy Center has hosted a variety of productions, ranging from operas to contemporary musicals and symphonies. The institution opened in 1971 and has since served as a showcase for theater, music and dramatic performances, with artists ranging from the Paul Taylor Dance Company to a joint concert by Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga. Weeks after Trump's return to the Oval Office, he fired the Kennedy Center's leadership, putting MAGA loyalist Richard Grenell in charge of the famed performing arts institution. Trump also appointed Usha Vance to the center's board along with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi and several Fox News channel hosts and other supporters. In response, several high-profile performers and members, including Insecure star Issa Rae, Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes and singer-songwriter Ben Folds, resigned from their positions and canceled shows. The center, which has seen a staggering 50 percent drop in ticket sales, has since canceled performances by the touring children's musical Finn and a planned concert featuring the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, D.C. 'The Kennedy Center is coming back,' the president added, claiming: 'It was not properly taken care of and we are taking it back and we are going to turn it back into something great.' Trump has previously proclaimed his love for Les Misérables, telling Fox News: 'I love the songs; I love the play. I think it's great.' He has played the musical's rebellion anthem, 'Do You Here the People Sing?' at past events and rallies. The story revolves around revolution in France, and has been a massive smash for decades. Trump also suggested that 'we may extend' the show's run. Currently, Les Misérables is slated to run at the Kennedy Center through July 13. Vagenesis added that she and the other drag performers show up for opening night, they are doing so peacefully. 'I hope it delivers the message that we're not backing down,' she said. 'We're not allowing this kind of bigotry and erasure to stop us from doing what we want to do, or from existing.'
