An Australian drag promoter has posted on social media about financial issues and complaints from past talent, leaving their future tours in question.
Kweer Touring & Events, who have toured a number of drag performers from across the world during the past 2 years, took to Facebook to address some concerns in an official statement from Dr Pete J Smith.
“Firstly, we want to take this time to formally apologise to the talent who money is still owed to,” the statement reads.
“While there is complete truth to the matter that bank accounts have been fraudulently accessed in the past fortnight and forensic investigations are underway by Victorian Police, with Constable Chris Cox at Oakleigh Police Station, this is not something that should impact on talent who have completed their obligations with nothing but professionalism.”
Some past hires have taken to social media to accuse Kweer T&E of non-payments, including Biblegirl and FKA who recently appeared as part of Kweer Expo and the Beauty and a Beat tour on the east coast.
Not really sure how to start this THREAD other than: @KweerTandE currently owes me a remaining $3,750 USD. I am not throwing out a number as a means of bragging, but to anchor the situation at hand and to drive home the point of how serious and unfair this is. I had been booked
— (@BibleGirl666) July 20, 2018
Infact, y’all know I love a YouTube video. YouTube video coming tomorrow with all the t, Ins and out of this dealing with @KweerTandE. https://t.co/GQAacno3b2
— FKA (@allaboutfka) July 23, 2018
Smith goes on to say that he has arranged payment for the international stars, and that he and his staff have been subjected to death threats, threats of violence and hacking.
The statement also addresses the company’s upcoming tour with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, which was set to take place at The Court Hotel this October.
“As it relates to the Vanjie Ball tour, we are in the process of working with another promoter to ensure this tour goes ahead sans our involvement, where current ticket holders will have their tickets honoured.”
Management at The Court Hotel had not been contacted by Kweer Touring & Events regarding the announcement.
UPDATE:
Speaking to OUTinPerth, Smith says he is unsure if Kweer Touring & Events will continue.
“While we would like to think that we can get past this, and move forward, and give people a reason to believe that we have made appropriate changes to the way our business operates,” Smith said.
“At this stage all we are looking to do is get our debts paid, and make sure the ticket holders for the Vanjie Ball have their purchases honoured.”
