Hyatt Regency Miami points fingers over ‘lewd’ drag show threatening liquor license

The Hyatt Regency Miami is pointing fingers at the city of Miami in response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office announcing that it will revoke the hotel’s liquor license over a sexually explicit Christmas-themed drag show with children present.

“A Drag Queen Christmas” performed at the James L. Knight Center in December and children were reportedly allowed to attend despite a clear warning from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation — the Hyatt Regency Miami owns the liquor license at the venue, which is owned by the city of Miami.

Citing a complaint filed by DBPR, Fox News reported that performers rubbed prosthetic breasts and genitals on the faces and mouths of attendees, exposed rears, and simulated masturbation on stage. The complaint also said there were “graphic depictions of childbirth and/or abortion.”

In a statement to Fox News, Hyatt General Manager Amir Blattner pointed out that the city owns the venue and that a third party manages it.

“The event in reference was hosted at the city-owned James L. Knight Center, which is a third-party operated venue adjacent to Hyatt Regency Miami,” Blattner said. “All programming and ticketing is managed by the third-party operator.”

“Hyatt’s only role at the James L. Knight Center is to provide food and beverage concessions,” the executive added.

The hotel offered the LGBTQ+ community a discount in 2020 to “celebrate” pride.

“At Hyatt, our purpose is to care for you so you can be your best, and being your best means being your most authentic self. That’s why we’re committed to fostering a world of understanding and inclusion—a commitment that goes far beyond words, and is supported by real, meaningful action… At Hyatt, you can confidently, comfortably, and proudly stay as you are.”

The governor’s office also sent a warning to the Hyatt ahead of the raunchy drag show — the hotel has 21 days to request a hearing on the matter and Blattner said they will maintain their liquor license leading up to a review.

“Sexually explicit content is not appropriate to display to children and doing so violates Florida law,” DeSantis press secretary Bryan Griffin said. “Governor DeSantis stands up for the innocence of children in the classroom and throughout Florida.”

The James L. Knight Center did not respond to a request from Fox News for comment. Neither did the city of Miami or ASM Global, the group that reportedly manages the venue.

An Orlando venue, The Plaza Live, had its liquor license revoked after the explicit Christmas drag queen show was held there with children in the audience.

“If you allow children to attend the Drag Fans drag show at your facility, you are putting your license in jeopardy,” the DBPR warned the facility ahead of time.

Tom Tillison

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