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Drag queen ‘turned away from Mariah Carey concert for being in costume’

Coral Deville claims she was turned away by staff at London's O2 Arena because she was in drag.

By Fabio Crispim

A drag queen claims she was turned away from a Mariah Carey Christmas concert because of her outfit.

London performer Coral Deville says she was refused entry by door staff at London’s O2 Arena on Monday night (December 11) because she was dressed in drag, despite having tickets for the sold-out show.

Taking to Twitter, Deville wrote: “OMG OMG OMG turned away from 02 arena for being in drag. WHAT?????? I have valid tickets!!!!!! SOMEONE HELP!!!!!”

The drag queen, who had tweeted her excitement about seeing her idol Carey three days before the eagerly-anticipated show, added that the incident had left her “upset and embarrassed” and that she was seeking legal advice.

“Yes, entirely my fault for turning up as the ‘other’ me. I get that. Still, I’m upset and embarrassed,” she wrote.

“Thank you for the messages of support. Its with the police now and (genuinely) I’m seeking legal advice. Watch this space.”

She added: “It’s now a police matter.”

A spokesperson for The O2 Arena confirmed they were investigating the incident, saying they had no door entry policy around clothing.

“We take the claims seriously and are currently investigating the circumstances around this incident,”the The O2 said in a statement.

“Our policy is certainly not to refuse anyone entry based upon what they are wearing.”