A federal judge has ordered St. George to pay $350K in legal fees to the Southern Utah Drag Stars, following a years-long First Amendment case.
The performers, led by CEO Mitski Avalox, sued the city in 2023 after being denied a permit for an all-ages drag show in a public park. Backed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, they argued the decision violated free speech and equal protection rights.
While the city claimed it was simply enforcing event regulations, the court eventually sided with the performers. A settlement reached last year emphasized that the city owes both compensation and a public apology. The new ruling confirms that the city must also cover the substantial legal costs associated with the case.
