U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert and a companion were escorted out of a “Beetlejuice: The Musical” performance in Denver, CO. On September 10th, 2023, two audience memebers were asked to leave the performance, and were escorted out of the building. An incident report from the Denver Arts & Venues said the two were asked to leave the city-owned Buell Theater, but did not name Boebert.
Boebert’s Campaign Manager Drew Sexton confirmed it was the congresswoman while disputing the alleged behavior. Boebert has also confirmed it was her in a tweet. [Editor’s note: “Beetlejuice: The Musical” is based on the Tim Burton film of the same name, which was released in 1988.]
The incident report claims theater security received complaints about two audience members who were vaping during the show, singing, and “causing a disturbance.” The two were given a warning during intermission that their behavior could result in them being asked to leave. Within five minutes of the second act, another complaint was given to security. This time alleging the two were recording the show, taking pictures. Recording is prohibited during shows. The two were approached by ushers, and asked to leave.
The two initially refused to leave, to which they were warned of trespassing. After refusing to leave again, they were told Denver Police would become involved. The two told staff to “go get them,” they did start making their way out of the building. As security escorted the two out of the building, they began resisting leaving again. Phrases like “Do you know who I am,” “I am on the board,” and “I will be contacting the mayor,” were said to theater staff.
Who is Lauren Boebert?
Boebert is a Republican representative for the 3rd congressional district in Colorado. Representing majority of western and southern Colorado. Boebert is currently in her second term, and is running for re-election in 2024. Campaign manager Sexton denies the alleged behavior of vaping in the theater, but has confirmed Boebert’s phone use. He claims Boebert did not know about the prohibition of phone use during the show.
“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 said in a statement.
As someone who has attended and worked theater shows in the past, it is common knowledge phone use is not okay. Something else that is generally not okay is giving staff the finger while being asked to leave.
The Denver Arts & Venues released the surveillance footage of Boebert and her guest being escorted out the Buell Theater. Their interactions with the theater staff are something else. Check out the full video below:
UPDATE
Footage showing Boebert vaping has also now been released. She still denies she was vaping.
