A UK-based baby and parent drag show called Caba Baba Rave has shared a statement after people began slamming them.
The company came under fire after videos of an event went viral which shows half-naked dancers wearing bondage clothes as babies and parents watch.
Caba Baba Rave has received a lot of criticism on Twitter, with many arguing the events are unsuitable and abhorrent, including actress Amanda Abbington.
“Not for babies. And if you think it is, there is something fundamentally wrong with you,” the Sherlock star commented on one of the videos.
“I lost quite a few followers for saying that a semi-naked man in thigh high boots dancing in a highly sexualised way shouldn’t be performing in front of babies,” she later added.
Now, Caba Baba Rave has taken down its social media profiles and website and released a statement defending its events.
Caba Baba Rave says shows are ‘specifically curated’
In a statement to their followers which has been shared on Twitter, the company revealed they have turned their profile to private following a “pretty horrific trolling attack”.
“These trolls specifically have a problem with drag artists and non-binary performers performing for children which is exceptionally sad,” they said.
Caba Baba Rave claimed their shows bring “joy, love and happiness” and went on to explain that the classes are specifically curated for the audience.
They said the particular show, of which videos have gone viral, was for very young babies and aimed more at the adults, providing them a much-needed “night out in the day”.
“Shows for slightly older children feature performers who are carefully selected with family friendly performances and costumes in mind.”
UK-based company defends its baby drag shows
They went on to defend the shows, claiming that cinemas all over the country have “parent and baby” showings with movies of all ratings.
“There are many other adult let events designed to simply bring your baby along to,” they continued, as babies “aren’t able to grasp the plot”.
“Cabaret is a fantastic medium to showcase a diverse and inclusive array of performance talent. A cabaret without drag, trans and non binary performers is not a true portrayal of the art form.”
This comes as an Instagram profile belonging to a Polish woman claiming to be missing Brit Madeleine McCann has also been taken down.
The girl, who calls herself Julia, racked up more than a million followers after asking Kate and Getty McCann for a DNA test to prove she is the toddler.
More about Caba Baba Rave
The London-based company describes itself as a cabaret, baby sensory and rave show for parents and their babies aged zero to two on Instagram.
It’s a “little slice of afternoon delight that provides show-stopping caberet interspersed with captivating baby sensory moments… ending in a rave,” promotional material says.
Caba Baba Rave was formed by two mothers who wanted to be entertained whilst looking after their babies without having to listen to Wheels on the Bus.
“We wanted to give parents the experience of a big London night out… cabaret, drinks and dancing… but one you can bring your baby to and still be home for bedtime,” they said.
Screenshots of messages to ticket holders shared by the Daily Mail reveal all upcoming events have now been cancelled.