October 5, 2023 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias

Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video 

By Dolores Quintana

Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.

In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.

In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”

He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”

While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.

In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok account claimed that children were present at the event. Mayor Anthony disputed this assertion, stating that “actually, there weren’t any children at this private 21+ event. But of course, lying is totally on brand for you.”

While the account correctly pointed out that individuals aged 15 and older were permitted to attend, the event’s organizer, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, released a statement clarifying that no individuals under the age of 18 were in attendance. 

Mayor Anthony reiterated this point during a City Council meeting and expressed his concern that the video’s circulation had led to city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.” 

Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca.gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It wasn’t even in the city of Burbank.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”

in NEWS
Related Posts

Historic Appointment: Laphonza Butler Becomes California’s First Black Lesbian U.S. Senator

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

Governor Newsom Appoints Butler to Complete Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Term By Dolores Quintana Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Laphonza Butler...

John Waters: Pope of Trash Exhibition Unveils the Iconic Filmmaker’s Cinematic Legacy

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

Explore the Unconventional Artistry of John Waters and His Impact on American Cinema By Dolores Quintana John Waters: Pope of...

Long Beach Pride Co-Founder Bob Crow Remembered as an LGBTQ+ Community Beacon of Hope

October 2, 2023

October 2, 2023

Bob Crow, one of the original founders of Long Beach Pride Has Passed Away By Dolores Quintana Bob Crow, one...

LGBTQ+ Rights at the Forefront: Governor’s Veto Sparks Outcry

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Uncover the Law Sparking Debate Among LGBTQ+ Supporters  By Dolores Quintana California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills on Saturday...

Revolutionize Your Coffee Experience: Blue Bottle’s Exclusive Residency Unveiled

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

A Full Flavor Coffee Experience With Dessert Meant For Savoring  By Dolores Quintana Blue Bottle Coffee, a well-known specialty coffee...

Mind-Blowing Premieres and Sensational Stars: TRK’s 2023 Fall Season Unveiled

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

Get Ready for a Cultural Extravaganza Like No Other at Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz By Dolores Quintana Théâtre Raymond Kabbaz (TRK),...

ATWATER Unveils AutoNail Lacquer Collection in Collaboration with amfAR

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Four Unique Nail Lacquer Shades Celebrate Individuality By Dolores Quintana ATWATER, a leading name in beauty and personal care, proudly...

Boy Harsher Vocalist Jae Matthews Talks About Writing the Screenplay for the New Queer Horror Romance “My Animal”

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

We Delve Into the Origins of the Film and the Horror of Growing Up Queer in a Small Town By...

Demolition Commences at Historic Theatre, Paving the Way for Mixed-Use Redevelopment

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Construction Is To Begin on a 71-unit Complex With Commercial Space By Dolores Quintana The historic Fairfax Theatre is effectively...

Writers Guild and AMPTP Reach Tentative Agreement After 146-Day Strike

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Picketing Is Suspended For Now, Contract Language To Be Finalized By Dolores Quintana Around 7:30 p.m. tonight, the Writers Guild...

Iconic Greta Garbo Estate in Beverly Hills: Where Hollywood History Meets Modern Luxury

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Step Inside the Enchanting Oasis That Redefines Creative Living in Los Angeles By Dolores Quintana Experience the enchanting allure of...

California Renters Get Some Relief as Apartment Prices Again Drop in August

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Landlords Forced To Offer Discounts as Rental Units Stay Empty By Dolores Quintana In August, the average monthly cost of...

Anti-LGBTQ+ Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert Thrown Out of Family Friendly Beetlejuice Musical

September 18, 2023

September 18, 2023

Boebert Was Ejected For Allegedly Vaping, Photography and Causing a Disturbance  By Dolores Quintana Rep. Lauren Boebert, the Colorado Republican...

Battle Over Marilyn Monroe’s Historic Last Home: Demolition Plans Stalled

September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

CD 11 Councilmember Traci Park Steps In To Halt the Demolition  By Dolores Quintana The Los Angeles City Council has...

Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” Premiere at TIFF

September 11, 2023

September 11, 2023

World Premiere of Documentary Was Screened After 20-Minute Delay By Dolores Quintana The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live...