Protesters in London clashed over a drag queen storytelling event on Saturday after supporters of the event clashed with far-right opponents of the reading, prompting the Metropolitan Police to intervene.
At least one person was arrested according to multiple reports as police officers sought to calm dozens of protesters outside the Tate Britain art gallery in central London, about a mile from Westminster.
Emotions apparently ran high over the weekend when Aida H Dee hosted three children’s book readings on Saturday while hosting Drag Queen Story Hour UK.
Protesters outside the Tate Britain in London, which has been hosting a drag queen storytelling event for children. Far-right protesters clashed with counter-protesters who turned up in support of the storytelling. (Photo by James Manning/PA Images via Getty Images)
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Dee, who took to Twitter to defend the day as a success, said it had been “a proper emotional day” as right-wing opponents were greeted by Dee’s supporters outside the gallery.
No injuries were reported as tensions rose, but officers were forced to form a corridor so event attendees could safely enter the building.
Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Metropolitan Police Department for comment, although a Guardian report said one person was arrested after he made “racially aggravated comments” to an officer.
Counter-protesters gather to confront the right-wing Patriotic Alternative group and other far-right protesters at Tate Britain on February 11, 2023 in London. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
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Dee also took to Twitter to say that “five enemies” entered the building and caused a “disruption,” though not at the storytelling event.
“They made a racket in another part of the building, not where the show was,” Dee said.
Dee posted numerous photos from the event showing families with young children sitting and listening to the reading while people with banners lined up outside the building.
Police fight to keep the two sides apart as anti-drag protesters are pushed down the steps of Tate Britain on February 11, 2023 in London. (Photo by Guy Smallman/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital could not immediately reach the Tate for comment, but a spokesperson told The Guardian that people are not booked through the gallery “to promote particular points of view, nor to reconcile differing points of view.” .
“Our galleries offer a broad program and visitors have the freedom to choose which aspects they engage with,” the spokesperson added.
