Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Charlize Theron’s three-word defence of drag queens

‘Bombshell’ star was speaking as part of a Drag Isn’t Dangerous telethon

Ellie Harrison
Tuesday 16 May 2023 03:47 EDT
Comments
RuPaul shares video opposing anti-drag bills

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Charlize Theron has said she will “f*** anybody up” who opposes drag queens.

The Bombshell actor, 47, made the comments during a Drag Isn’t Dangerous telethon, speaking out against what she called the “incredibly stupid” proposed anti-drag bills that have been sweeping US states.

Speaking at the event, alongside fellow stars Elizabeth Banks, Jesse Eisenberg and Sarah Silverman, Theron said: “We love you, queens. We’re in your corner and we’ve got you. I will f*** anybody up who’s trying to f*** with anything with you guys.

“There are so many things that are hurting and, really, killing our kids, and we all know what I’m talking about right now and it ain’t no drag queen. Because if you’ve ever seen a drag queen lip sync for her life, it only makes you happier, it only makes you love more. It makes you a better person.”

She added: “Please support all the great organisations that are out there helping all of this nonsense go away like it should. All of these incredibly stupid policies. Bye! No more room for hate, only love, and love equals drag queens!”

Actor couple Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick also recently protested against the anti-drag bills on TikTok, where they danced to the Taylor Swift hit “Karma” in matching shirts emblazoned with the slogan “Drag is an art and drag is a right”.

Since the beginning of this year, dozens of bills have been filed in states across America, targeting drag performances.

Tennessee was the first to pass its bill into law in March, barring “adult cabaret performances” on public property or in places where they might be within view of children.

The bill bans “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers”. Violators may face misdemeanor or even felony charges.

Last month, US artist Lizzo also defied Tennessee’s controversial drag ban by welcoming drag performers onstage during her concert in Knoxville.

Addressing thousands of fans in the crowd, Lizzo noted that she received requests to cancel her shows in Tennessee following Gov Bill Lee’s ban on public drag performances.

While the ban was signed into law in March, a federal judge has since put a temporary hold on the ban citing First Amendment issues.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in