Drag show at Victoria cafe cancelled due to threats of violence

An all-ages drag show that was set to run at a cafe in Victoria this weekend has been cancelled after the business received violent threats.

The Sashay Cafe drag show was scheduled for Saturday evening at Caffe Fantastico but was cancelled by the event organizer over concerns about safety.

Caffe Fantastico says it received "harassing calls and ultimately threats" about the show, which it has hosted for the past three years.

"In the past week our staff here have been harassed by callers, who have been ignorant to what a drag show is, and have berated us for hosting a family-friendly drag show event," said Caffe Fantastico owner Ryan Taylor in a statement.

Taylor says over the past three years, the cafe has never received a complaint about the content of the show, and that he's grateful for staff members who tried to explain what the all-ages event included, such as dancing and musical performances, to the angry caller.

"Unfortunately, on June 15, one caller escalated, actually threatening that someone should shoot up the place and everyone in it," said Taylor.

Cafe staff informed police of the threat, and Taylor says an investigation is underway.

"Artists and performers deserve a safe and welcoming place to showcase their talents, and to bring joy to the community," Taylor said, adding that the cafe also hosts other events, like concerts, poetry readings, and art shows.

"I hope these incidents are a one-off event, which will never be repeated again," he said.