Drag queen ‘denied entry’ to Mariah Carey concert for being in drag
(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation)
A drag queen has been left “upset and embarrassed” after security denied her entry to a Mariah Carey christmas concert.
Seasoned London drag queen Coral DeVille had planned to attend Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’ concert at London’s O2 arena.
(Photo: Twitter / @CoralDeVille)
DeVille had purchased the tickets to Carey’s only European concert well before the concert on December 11.
She is a noted Mariah Carey fan, reportedly tweeting her excitement for the upcoming concert weeks in advance.
Carey made headlines this summer with her own line of Pride themed merchandise which truly cemented her status as a gay icon.
When Coral DeVille arrived at the venue security staff at the O2 arena allegedly denied her entry to the venue.
(Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images for Sugar Factory American Brasserie)
The O2 arena is one of the UK’s most established concert venues and has hosted acts such as Taylor Swift, Queen and Beyonce.
As she was denied entry to the concert DeVille said on her twitter: “OMG OMG OMG turned away from 02 arena for being in drag. WHAT?????? I have valid tickets!!!!!! SOMEONE HELP!!!!!”
Security guidelines for the 20,000 seat arena state that customers may be refused entry if they have prohibited items, refuse to be searched, or may cause a disturbance or damage to the venue or other guests.
(Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for TOSHIBA CORPORATION)
However, there are no requirements on the O2 arena’s website or in their terms and conditions that specifically prohibit drag.
Related: Canadian ban on using the phrase ‘drag queen’ is over
After the incident DeVille returned to twitter, saying: “Yes, entirely my fault for turning up as the ‘other’ me. I get that. Still, I’m upset and embarrassed.
(Photo: Creative Commons)
“Thank you for the messages of support. Its with the police now and (genuinely) I’m seeking legal advice. Watch this space.”
PinkNews has reached out to the O2 arena. In a statement, the venue said it was investigating the incident and clarified that it does not have any bans on clothing in place.
A spokesperson said: “We take the claims seriously and are currently investigating the circumstances around this incident.
“Our policy is certainly not to refuse anyone entry based upon what they are wearing.”
