'Do you know who I am' asks Lauren Boebert in 'Beetlejuice' fracas, 'unfortunately we do' replies Internet
DENVER, COLORADO: GOP congresswoman Lauren Boebert found herself at the center of a public spectacle when she was unceremoniously removed from a performance of the musical 'Beetlejuice' at the Buell Theatre in Denver, Colorado.
The incident, which unfolded during a performance of 'Beetlejuice' on Sunday, September 10, saw the Colorado representative being escorted out of the theater.
Lauren Boebert removed from theater
Surveillance footage captured the congresswoman, bedecked in a form-fitting, low-cut gold dress and high heels, being escorted out with her enigmatic male companion after they were instructed to leave.
As she exited the auditorium, Boebert unabashedly snapped a selfie and exchanged heated words with theater staff in the lobby, baring her teeth in apparent frustration.
The scene took an even more dramatic turn when, according to The Denver Post, Boebert at one point questioned the staff, asking, "Do you know who I am?"
The surreal episode continued as Boebert and her well-dressed companion were subsequently observed walking through the empty, moonlit streets of Denver, the Mile High City.
Boebert's expulsion from the theater was not a spontaneous decision but the culmination of a sequence of events that began with her disruptive behavior during the performance.
Video footage depicted security personnel approaching Boebert and her unidentified companion as they occupied aisle seats within the theater.
Lauren Boebert's social media response
Boebert, who recently became a grandmother at 36, took to social media to address the incident. Her response, however, was far from contrite.
In her post, she admitted to enjoying the performance of "Beetlejuice" at the Buell Theater.
"It's true, I did thoroughly enjoy the AMAZING Beetlejuice at the Buell Theatre and I plead guilty to laughing and singing too loud!" she wrote.
The congresswoman went on to encourage others to see the show, seemingly dismissing the allegations against her with a lighthearted tone.
"Everyone should go see it if you get the chance this week and please let me know how it ends!" she added.
It's true, I did thoroughly enjoy the AMAZING Beetlejuice at the Buell Theatre and I plead guilty to laughing and singing too loud! 🤭
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) September 12, 2023
Everyone should go see it if you get the chance this week and please let me know how it ends! 😅https://t.co/8JHypcCKsP
An incident report filed regarding the incident shed light on the chain of events leading to Boebert's removal.
Apparently, she and her companion had received a warning about their behavior during the intermission.
However, this cautionary note did not dissuade them from continuing their disruptive conduct during the second act of the performance.
As the situation escalated, security officials received another complaint, this time concerning loud behavior and unauthorized recording of the show.
"They told me they would not leave," an usher stated, according to the report.
The usher added, "I told them that they need to leave the theater and if they do not, they will be trespassing. The patrons said they would not leave. I told them I would (be) going to get Denver Police. They said go get them."
A confrontation in the theater lobby
Surveillance footage captured the moment when Boebert and her companion, still situated within the theater's aisle, were approached by two staff members.
The nature of the exchange between the security staff and the duo remains unclear, as the footage lacks audio.
Nevertheless, it is evident that this interaction marked a turning point in the evening's drama. Boebert and her companion were subsequently escorted from their seats.
The security personnel accompanied Boebert and her companion as they ascended the theater's stairs.
The congresswoman paused in a doorway to take a selfie, perhaps as a token memento of the evening's events.
However, her frustration was palpable as she interacted with the security representative in the lobby.
Official reports from the Denver Arts & Venues indicated that in the theater's lobby, Boebert and her unidentified friend made statements resembling "Do you know who I am?" and "I will be contacting the mayor."
Following this exchange, Boebert retraced her steps and exited the theater. Subsequently, police were summoned to the scene and remained until Boebert and her companion left.
As the congresswoman and her friend exited the theater, several staff members could be seen making disapproving expressions.
Social media backlash
The incident swiftly became a focal point on social media, where people unleashed a torrent of criticism.
Many took particular offense at her "Do you know who I am?" comment, viewing it as an embodiment of entitlement and arrogance.
"Yes, unfortunately, we know who she is," one tweeted.
"Just behavior unbecoming of a human let alone a person in power," another insisted.
"She is definitely more interested in being a celebrity vs. being a representative for Colorado," someone else offered.
Just behavior unbecoming of a human yet alone a person in power
— court (@courtney2fab) September 13, 2023
She is definitely more interested in being a celebrity vs being a representative for Colorado. #VoteBetter
— Elli Anderson (@ElliLAnderson) September 13, 2023
Lauren Boebert's campaign manager responds
In response to the controversy, Boebert's campaign manager, Drew Sexton, issued a statement to local media.
"I can confirm the stunning and salacious rumors: in her personal time, Congresswoman Lauren Boebert is indeed a supporter of the performing arts (gasp!) and, to the dismay of a select few, enthusiastically enjoyed a weekend performance of ‘Beetlejuice,'" he said.
Sexton encouraged everyone to see the play while offering a gentle reminder to leave their phones outside the venue.
He explained that Boebert's use of her phone to snap a picture of the show was simply due to her lack of awareness that photos were not permitted.