Republican Colorado Congresswoman Lauren Boebert and an unnamed male companion were ejected from a performance of the musical Beetlejuice at the Buell Theater in downtown Denver for disruptive behavior during the show.
According to an incident report that did not mention Boebert by name, representatives of the Buell Theater indicated there were three different complaints about two patrons sitting in row E in the orchestra section of the theater who were smoking, vaping, and taking photographs and/or video mid-performance.
The Denver Post confirmed with Boebert's campaign that it was the GOP lawmaker who was kicked out of the theater after "causing a disturbance."
Prior to getting kicked out, she and her date were confronted by ushers during intermission who warned them about their behavior breaching theater etiquette.
But five minutes into act two, security received “another complaint about the patrons being loud and at the time (they) were recording" the performance.
Taking photographs or recording the performance is strictly prohibited at shows.
The incident report quoted an usher who said of the two patrons:
“They told me they would not leave. I told them that they need to leave the theater and if they do not, they will be trespassing."
“The patrons said they would not leave."
"I told them I would (be) going to get Denver Police. They said go get them.”
Surveillance footage of her and her date being approached by ushers at their seats and being escorted out of the auditorium through the lobby was shared on X (formerly Twitter) in a series of clips.
City of Denver
The report said Boebert was confrontational with ushers and security members of the theater, telling them “stuff like ‘do you know who I am,’ ‘I am on the board’ (and) ‘I will be contacting the mayor.’ ”
Police arrived and stayed in the lobby until Boebert and her companion left the theater.
Security footage showed the pair walking and holding hands through the empty plaza of the performing arts complex.
At one point, her male friend spun her around.
Boebert is a mother to four boys. She filed for divorce in May from her husband of 18 years, Jayson, citing "irreconcilable differences."
Drew Sexton, the campaign manager for Boebert, denied allegations that the two-term incumbent Representative was vaping during the show but did confirm she used her cellphone to take pictures during the show.
He claimed she didn't know the rules against photography during shows.
Sexton wrote in a statement:
“I can confirm the stunning and salacious rumors: in her personal time, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is indeed a supporter of the performing arts (gasp!) and, to the dismay of a select few, enthusiastically enjoyed a weekend performance of ‘Beetlejuice.’ ”
Sexton encouraged everyone to see the show as it boasted a “fantastic cast, tremendous visuals and plenty of loud laughs," and added, “with a gentle reminder to leave their phones outside of the venue.”
Boebert took to X to confirm the reports of being forcibly removed from the performance of Beetlejuice.
"It's true, I did thoroughly enjoy the AMAZING Beetlejuice at the Buell Theatre and I plead guilty to laughing and singing too loud!"
"Everyone should go see it if you get the chance this week and please let me know how it ends."
She attached a link to buy tickets for the show, and her post was accompanied by an oops emoji and a nervous sweating emoji.
Social media suggested Congress act accordingly by way of the Buell Theater's example.
The far-right Congresswoman who won reelection by a mere 546 votes in 2022 is running for a third term in 2024 to represent the 3rd Congressional District, which covers much of western and southern Colorado.
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