Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert has issued an apology following an incident at the Buell Theatre during a performance of the musical "Beetlejuice."
The congresswoman was reportedly ejected from the venue after complaints about her behavior, which allegedly included vaping and causing a disturbance during the show.
Boebert confirmed her expulsion from the theater on Tuesday, stating, "Everyone should go see it if you get the chance this week and please let me know how it ends!" However, her campaign manager, Drew Sexton, denied allegations that she had been vaping during the performance.
Despite these denials, video footage purportedly showing Boebert engaging in the aforementioned activities began to circulate online later in the week. The surveillance footage appears to show Boebert using her cell phone and vaping during the performance, with her companion seemingly acting inappropriately towards her. The video, obtained by 9News, also appears to show Boebert dancing in her seat.
The footage further shows an usher speaking to Boebert and her companion during an intermission. Following the resumption of the musical, Boebert appears to be taking photos with her cell phone, using the flash function. An usher is then seen escorting the pair out of the theater during the second act.
Theater officials confirmed to the Colorado Sun that two patrons were "escorted from the theater" on Sunday, but did not identify them. The Colorado Sun also reported that as the pair were being removed, they made comments such as 'do you know who I am,' I am on the board, and I will be contacting the mayor,' according to a security incident report obtained through an open records request.
In response to the incident, Boebert issued an apology for her behavior. She stated, "I genuinely did not recall vaping that evening when I discussed the night's events with my campaign team while confirming my enthusiasm for the musical." She added that it is now "clear that was not inaccurate," and that her campaign's intentions were not to "mislead."
Boebert's apology continued, "We know we will have to work to earn your trust back and it may not happen overnight, but we will do it." She expressed regret for the "unwanted attention" her actions had brought to the community, stating, "While none of my actions or words as a private citizen that night were intended to be malicious or meant to cause harm, the reality is they did and I regret that."
The congresswoman also mentioned her ongoing divorce proceedings, stating, "Theres no perfect blueprint for going through a public and difficult divorce, which over the past few months has made for a challenging personal time for me and my entire family." She admitted to falling short of her values on the night in question, describing the experience as "unacceptable" and "humbling."
Boebert concluded her statement by vowing to learn from the experience, stating, "I've learned some humbling lessons these past few days but I vow moving forward, I will make you proud."
In May, Boebert announced that she was filing for divorce from her husband of 18 years, Jayson Boebert, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.
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