Latest news with #dragartist
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Strictly Come Dancing sign up first drag act for main series – but which male pro will they dance with?
STRICTLY Come Dancing has signed their first drag artists to compete on the BBC One dance show in the form of La Voix. The entertainer - known off stage as Stockton-on-Tees born Chris Dennis, 45, was one of three names confirmed by the BBC yesterday. 3 3 La Voix is expected to dance with a male pro on the new series and they are no stranger to our TV screens having previously appeared singing on Britain's Got Talent on ITV and competing on the BBC 's RuPaul's Drag Race. A show insider said: 'Producers already trialled having a drag artist on the show in the form of Tayce who actually won the Christmas Special last year with Kai Widdrington. 'La Voix is a bit more of an old-school entertainer who's a little closer to the traditional Strictly audience in terms of style and vibe. 'It's just another example of the Strictly execs constantly pushing at the boundaries and making changes that the show's audiences then have to adapt to.' Any man partnered with La Voix would have to be tall, as Chris is around 5ft 7ins tall in stocking feet and would be almost 6ft in dance shoes. Although this is the first drag artist to appear on the main show in the UK, that's not the case with spin-off shows in other countries. In 2022 the line up on America's Dancing with the Stars included Shangela, real name DJ Pierce, and in 2019 Courtney Act dazzled on the Australian version of the show. Yesterday the BBC also confirmed The Sun's exclusive story that EastEnders story Balvinder Sopal was joining Strictly this year. We revealed last month how she was being lined up to join the show and followed in the footsteps of a long line of actors from Albert Square who competed. 3
The Independent
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of 'abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. ' Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
BreakingNews.ie
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Drag artist at Belfast library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of 'abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. Advertisement The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. Advertisement In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the event at the library was not appropriate for children (Liam McBurney/PA) 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. Advertisement 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. Advertisement 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. Advertisement A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drag artist at library event says she is victim of ‘false accusations online'
A drag artist who took part in a storytelling event for children at a Belfast library which was targeted by protesters said she has been the subject of 'abuse and false accusations online'. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event at Holywood Arches Library on Friday had included a reading from The Chronicles of Narnia and Dear Zoo. The event, which featured two drag artists, was part of the Eastside Arts Festival. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed it had attended a report of a small demonstration at the library on Friday afternoon and engaged with those present. Stormont's Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said earlier this week the event was not appropriate for children and should not have taken place. Lady Portia Di'Monte said the event had become the subject of 'targeted misinformation and online abuse'. In a statement released by Phoenix Law, she added: 'This joyful, ticketed event was held in a public library with full support from staff, parents, and festival organisers. 'It included readings of The Chronicles of Narnia, Dear Zoo, and stories celebrating diverse families. 'Children also enjoyed inclusive games, music, and a British sign language session – promoting communication and belonging for all. 'Despite its warm and educational focus, the event was disrupted by protesters whose actions created fear and discouraged some families from attending. 'The PSNI were present to maintain safety due to external threats – not because of any risk inside.' She added: 'Since the event, I have been subjected to abuse and false accusations online.' The drag artist said she is now seeking legal advice. She added: 'When children see diversity reflected around them – whether it's queer people, deaf individuals, blended families, or those who feel different – it builds empathy, understanding, and resilience. 'These events are about joy, education, and creating spaces where every child can feel seen and valued. 'To the families, staff, and supporters, thank you. 'To those spreading hate – I will not be silenced. I remain committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all children to grow up feeling accepted and proud of who they are.' Phoenix Law solicitor Victoria Haddock said her client had been the victim of a 'campaign of online abuse'. A PSNI statement said: 'Two people were escorted from the building to further ensure that there would be no breach of the peace. 'At this stage, no offences were determined to have taken place.' Mr Lyons said the event had compromised the perception of public libraries as a 'welcoming and inclusive space for all as set out in the Libraries NI policy'.
Russia Today
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
Probe demanded into Ukrainian drag-artist who sang in Russian
Ukraine's language ombudsman has called for a police probe into a recent performance by renowned drag artist Verka Serduchka's in which the former Eurovision contestant performed several songs in Russian. Ukraine's language commissioner Taras Kremin cited possible violations of state law and a 2023 ban on public performances in Russian in calling for the probe. Some artists say the measures targeting use of Russian in public life, restrict cultural freedom. 'There are signs of a serious violation,' Kremin said Saturday, calling on police to investigate. 'It's not just about the law, but about national dignity. And there will be consequences.' Ukrainian law mandates the use of the state language at cultural events, though exceptions are allowed for other languages if deemed artistically justified. Enforcement has been uneven, with some artists facing legal pressure for using Russian. The Vera Serduchka persona is a drag act created by Ukrainian comedian Andrey Danilko. Serduchka's shows have been scrutinized before. Following a May 2024 concert featuring Russian songs, Kremin concluded thatno laws were broken but hoped such incidents would encourage the broader use of Ukrainian. Danilko has defended his use of Russian, calling it 'a tool for communication' and arguing it's hard to exclude in a bilingual society. In a 2024 interview with the Latvian broadcaster LTV, he said Ukraine's leadership aims to 'destroy the Russian language.' Kiev's 'Ukrainization' campaign is aimed at promoting Ukrainian in schools, media, and public life. Critics say it pressures artists and institutions to abandon Russian, which is still widely spoken across much of the country. In March, Kremin said many Ukrainians remain unsure which language they consider primary, noting a decline in Ukrainian use, especially in schools, and urged the Education Ministry to act. A significant portion of the population, particularly in eastern regions, speaks or understands both languages. The language debate has long divided Ukraine, contributing to tensions that led to the 2014 Western-backed Euromaidan coup. Since then, the government has curtailed Russian language rights and accelerated efforts to sever cultural ties with Moscow, especially after hostilities escalated in February 2022. Russia has consistently criticized Ukraine's language policies, asserting that they infringe upon the rights of the Russian-speaking population.
