'Online abuse and threats' among reasons for cancellation of Carlow drag show

An upcoming Carlow drag show has been cancelled due to security concerns. 

That's according to the show's promoter, TNT Promotions, who posted on social media to confirm the cancellation was "purely down to online abuse and threats that both tntpromotions and the hotel received". 

The event - featuring drag performers including Kara Kalua, Sofia Good and Coco Ri - was due to take place on May 26 at Seven Oaks Hotel, with tickets being sold for €20 each. 

The description of the show on the Ticketstop.ie booking page stated: "Not a night to be missed all are welcome to join us on this fun filled, laughter packed night which you can dress to impress best looking on the night will win a cash prize this night will be sure to have you buzzing and chatting afterwards." 

TNT Promotions did not elaborate on the exact nature of the online abuse. 

The promoter addressed the cancellation on social media on Tuesday (May 9), stating: "We would just like to shine some light on the cancellation of the drag queen event on the 26th of May in Carlow. This was due to no fault of ours or the hotel it was purely down to online abuse and threats that both tntpromotions and the hotel received. 

"Our number one priority at any of our shows is to make sure that everyone involved is safe which led to this decision. It's a sad day in the world we live in that an event like this can't go ahead. This event was always an over 18s event. It was an event for people to come enjoy themselves. We do apologise for any inconvenience caused." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by QueensOfTheParty (@thequeensoftheparty)

The promoter is reportedly working on the adjustments needed "to come back with a stronger event". 

One of the booked performers, Coco Ri, expressed disappointment about the cancellation online: 

A venue I was working for at the end of the month in carlow got a few messages about this event with regards to kids being present at 9pm…

You cancel this: But don’t cancel this: pic.twitter.com/pMbNz41C9c

— Coco Ri (@Cockorigh) May 8, 2023

In a statement to Carlow Live, General Manager of Seven Oaks Hotel, Michael Walsh, stated, "The event was cancelled by the organiser Danny from TNT Promotions. We took a booking for the event and had no issue hosting it here.

"Danny contacted one of our managers to express his concerns over the negative comments received online and to his home. He was also worried about potential abuse to the drag queens and customers on the night. Then he emailed to cancel the next day, so we agreed to cancel the event due to his concerns.

"We were happy to take his booking and rent out our room for the event but when he expressed his concerns, we agreed to cancel it as that is the reason, he emailed us.

He added: "We have no problem renting our function room for any over 18’s Drag Queen shows and are fully supportive of the LGBT community especially in our town which have an amazing committee and who have arranged very successful pride festivals over the last few years in Carlow."