Florida’s Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier has sparked outrage after subpoenaing a South Florida local bar for the names of people who attended a drag show. As first reported by the Associated Press, Uthmeier’s office is investigating a Pride event held last month at the Kilted Mermaid, a wine bar in Vero Beach owned by the city’s vice mayor, Linda Moore.
The AG’s subpoena demands that the bar hand over security footage, guest lists, employee schedules, and even reservation logs by August 8. In a press release, Uthmeier claimed the event featured adult, sexualized performers in front of children. But critics say the investigation is rooted more in politics than law. Florida’s so-called “Protection of Children Act,” cited in the complaint, has been blocked by a federal judge since 2023.
Moore told NBC News the show was “tame” and family-friendly in the early hours, and once drag performances began, parents with young children were told to leave. She confirmed, “There’s never nudity at any drag show,” adding that viral photos shared by a Moms for Liberty member were taken during the adults-only portion of the evening. Legal experts say this subpoena is unlikely to hold up.
But as the Electronic Frontier Foundation warns, even if courts strike it down, the damage is done. Guests, performers, and staff may already feel exposed and vulnerable. Still, Moore stands firm. Queer News Tonight has been following and reporting on this story closely.
