(NewsNation) — Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., has faced backlash after her behavior at a performance of “Beetlejuice.”
Initially, Boebert lied about the incident when she was kicked out of the show in Denver, but security camera footage later revealed the truth.
Here’s the question: Why is it always necessary to have video evidence to prove that politicians are lying?
This is not about politics or sides. In this case, it is about Boebert.
Local media initially reported that two theatergoers were asked to leave the show on Sept. 10 due to disruptive behavior, including vaping, singing, recording, and causing a disturbance. Boebert and her male companion were not mentioned in the incident report.
However, Boebert later identified herself by posting on social media, “It’s true, I did thoroughly enjoy the AMAZING Beetlejuice at the Buell Theatre, and I plead guilty to laughing and singing too loud! Everyone should go see it if you get the chance this week and please let me know how it ends!”
A video emerged showing Boebert being escorted out of the show, allegedly even giving the ushers a middle finger.
Initially, Boebert’s office denied vaping at the show and claimed there was a misunderstanding from someone nearby who didn’t notice the fog machines and electronic cigarettes used during the play.
However, five days later, security camera footage released by Denver Arts and Venues clearly showed Boebert vaping and engaging in inappropriate behavior with her male companion during a family-friendly show.
She was also taking flash photos, which is generally not allowed at shows, and was raising her arms and dancing, causing disruption.
Finally, Boebert admitted her actions and apologized, stating, “The past few days have been difficult and humbling. I’m truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community. While my actions or words as a private citizen that night were not intended to be malicious, they did cause harm, and I regret that.”
She also mentioned her challenging personal time due to her divorce, attempting to garner sympathy. She said, “There’s no perfect blueprint for going through a public and difficult divorce, which has made the past few months a challenging time for me and my family. I tried to handle it with strength and grace, but I fell short of my values on Sunday. It’s unacceptable and I’m sorry.”
She further added, “Whether it was the excitement of seeing a much-anticipated production or the natural anxiety of being in a new environment, I genuinely did not recall vaping that evening when I discussed the night’s events with my campaign team. Regardless, it’s now clear that was not accurate. It’s not my intention to mislead, but we now understand how this looks.”
While there are those on the left who are highlighting the perceived hypocrisy, focusing on Boebert’s remarks about Democrats grooming children with pro-LGBTQ+ policies, the main concern here is the immediate resort to lying by politicians and the need for video evidence to uncover the truth.
Remember Rob Ford, the late Toronto mayor who denied smoking crack cocaine until he was captured on video doing so? This pattern of lying and then apologizing after being caught is frustrating.
Clearly, Boebert’s actions at Beetlejuice are not a major crime. In the bigger picture, it’s not that significant.
However, it is disheartening that the truth often requires video evidence in our society, especially in politics. It shouldn’t always take a video to reveal the truth, but unfortunately, that is often the case.
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of NewsNation.
