Singer Hayley Kiyoko has claimed that an “undercover cop” arrived at her Nashville tour stop to warn her about legal consequences that could arise if she were to have drag queens join her onstage.
Kiyoko, 32, who identifies as lesbian, performed Monday at Marathon Music Works in Music City as part of “The Panorama Tour.”
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the “Girls Like Girls” singer claimed she invited local drag queens LiberTea and Ivy St James to perform with her — but “local law enforcement” advised the performer not to, due to Tennessee’s proposed legislation that would ban drag performers in the presence of minors.
However, spokespersons for the Metropolitan Police Department told The Post on Thursday that they have “no reason at all to believe she spoke with anyone from our police department.”
The MNPD additionally told The Post that the department “wouldn’t do this to begin with” and noted that a federal judge temporarily blocked Tennessee’s anti-drag law before it even went into effect back in March.
The Post also contacted representatives for Kiyoko for comment.
“At soundcheck the day of, I was advised by local law enforcement that having a drag performance at my all ages show could result in legal action,” Kiyoko wrote in her caption about the alleged incident.
“This is f–ked up,” she said in an accompanying video, wiping tears away from her face. “This is so f–ked.”
Earlier this year, the Tennessee legislature passed a law regarding “adult cabaret performance” — which now includes “male or female impersonators” — that states that “it is an offense for a person to engage in an adult cabaret performance … In a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”
A first offense would be considered a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine and/or up to one year in jail.
Additional offenses would be felonies that could bring six months in jail.
Kiyoko claimed she was “distraught” when she was allegedly told the drag performers about the “cop” but claimed: “They showed no fear and said they wanted to continue with the show and come out on stage. So they did.”
She also shared pictures and videos of the queens performing.
“We will not be silenced. We will find ways to continue to be our authentic selves, no matter what,” Kiyoko concluded her caption. “We will not give up. No matter how hard they make it. I love you all so much.”
“About Damn Time” singer Lizzo, 35, also invited drag performers onstage during her concert in Knoxville last month.
In March, country crooner Maren Morris, 33, told the state of Tennessee to arrest her during a speech at a pro-LGBTQ concert just weeks after the state announced a ban on drag shows near schools.
Pop icon Madonna, 64, previously announced that she would donate ticket proceeds from her upcoming Nashville tour stop to transgender organizations.
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