British actor Amanda Abbington has been labelled transphobic online after she said people taking their children to drag queen shows have something “fundamentally wrong” with them.
The performer, who is most well known for her roles in Mr Selfrige and Sherlock, reacted to footage from a Caba Baba Rave.
The show is described as a baby sensory and cabaret show for parents and their babies aged 0-2 years old.
An advert promises attendees “cabaret, drinks and dancing... but one you can bring your baby to and still be home for bedtime”.
Amanda Abbington has defended her comments after being called transphobicPAVideo of the rave emerged online showing a person dancing in boots and a bondage harness.
Abbington tweeted that the show was “not for babies” continuing “if you think it is, there is something fundamentally wrong with you”.
The following morning she followed up, saying: “I lost quite a few followers for saying that a semi-naked man in thigh high boots dancing in a highly sexualised way shouldn’t be performing in front of babies and it tells me everything I need to know about where society is heading. How do you not agree with me on this?”
After further scrutiny from Twitter users, Abbington responded to accusations of transphobia: “I never mentioned the trans community! How on earth is my post transphobic.
Amanda Abbington called the event "abhorrent".
PA
“It never entered my head that the video I posted is transphobic. I won’t be called that I’m afraid, I’m sorry.
“I’m saying you do not perform that kind of act in front of BABIES. It’s abhorrent.”
The company has defended itself and responded to criticism, in a statement it said: “Cinemas all over the country have ‘parent and baby showings’ on a weekly basis of movies of all ratings.
“There are many other ‘adult led events’ designed to simply bring your baby along to.
“It should go without saying babies of a young age aren’t able to grasp the plot of an intricate thought-provoking movie or comment on the latest exhibition at the national portrait gallery.
“Cabaret is a fantastic medium to showcase a diverse and inclusive array of performance talent - a cabaret without drag, trans and non-binary performers is not a true portrayal of the art form and its incredible history.”
Elsewhere is said the shows were “more aimed at the parents”, claiming the babies would be unable to grasp the content of the performance.
