A drag performance in a New Orleans bar has ignited controversy after a viral video showed the performer miming the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The act, which was set to Rihanna’s song “Man Down,” has drawn widespread condemnation online, with many calling for law enforcement to intervene.
In a clip posted by Libs of TikTok, a drag performer donning a black cowboy-style hat and a leather ensemble is seen forming a gun with their hands, first aiming at the audience before turning toward a screen behind them. The screen displayed footage from the July 13 assassination attempt at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania, when a gunman shot Trump in the ear. As the video played, the performer made firing gestures, appearing to mimic the shooter.
The performance took an even darker turn as the lyrics of “Man Down”—“I pulled out that gun”—played in the background, further fueling the outrage. It remains unclear which bar in New Orleans hosted the controversial act.
Social media erupts, calls for Federal investigation
The viral clip has sparked intense debate, garnering over 3.5 million views and prompting many users to tag federal agencies, including the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Secret Service, urging them to investigate.
“That is a direct threat! Arrest her now,” one user wrote.
Another commenter condemned the performance, stating, “I don’t care what side of the aisle you are on. Giving this type of lunacy a platform is disgusting and dangerous.”
While most reactions were critical, some defended the act as a form of artistic expression. “It’s entertainment, folks. Lighten up. Remember, tolerance goes both ways now,” one user argued.
Echoes of past controversial depictions of Trump
The drag performance has drawn comparisons to previous instances of provocative art targeting Trump. Many users recalled actress Kathy Griffin’s infamous 2017 photoshoot, where she posed with a fake severed head resembling the former president. Similarly, rapper Snoop Dogg faced backlash that same year for a music video in which he made a mock gun-firing gesture at a Trump lookalike.
Notably, Snoop Dogg recently reversed his stance, performing at one of Trump’s inauguration celebrations last month. Addressing criticism over his appearance, the rapper stated, “We gotta learn to pick each other up instead of pulling each other down.”
Trump set to attend super bowl amid heightened security
The controversy unfolds just days before the Super Bowl, which will be held in New Orleans on Sunday. Trump is set to become the first sitting U.S. president to attend the game, a move that is expected to bring heightened security measures.
With tensions surrounding political discourse at an all-time high, the viral drag performance has reignited debates over the boundaries of free speech, artistic expression, and political violence. Whether federal authorities will take action remains to be seen.
