MMA fights offer security to a West Virginia restaurant after its received threats for almost hosting a drag brunch, and old photos of Tennessee's governor in drag come to light.

MMA Fighters Offer Security After Drag Brunch Is Canceled

According to NBC News, after threats led to the cancellation of a drag brunch in a West Virginia restaurant, mixed martial arts coach Jonathan Haught volunteered himself and his trainees as security guards in a Facebook post. The drag bunch was scheduled for Feb. 26 at Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar in Triadelphia, West Virginia. Haught’s MMA studio is about six miles from the restaurant. People made threats towards the restaurant, performers and patrons, leading to the event cancellation and Haught’s offer.

“I’m not afraid to stand up to people, and I train to fight people all day, every day, so if somebody really wants to attack somebody, let them attack me instead,” Haught told NBC News. “Don’t attack the drag queens.” 

Tennessee Bans Drag; Old Photos of Gov in Drag Surface

 Second from left, Gov. Bill Lee, Franklin High yearbook 1977, page 165.

On March 2, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill calling for restrictions on “adult cabaret entertainment,” according to NBC News. This bill, taking effect on April 1, defines “adult cabaret entertainment” as “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers.” The bill makes it a criminal offense for these events to take place on public property or outside of age-restricted venues. First-time offenders will be charged with misdemeanors while repeat offenders will face felonies and jail time up to six years.

Lee faced controversy in the days leading to the bill signing after photos of him in high school dressed in a cheerleading outfit and wig resurfaced on social media.

“What a ridiculous, ridiculous question that is,” Lee told The Tennessee Holler after being asked about the photo. “Conflating something like that to sexualized entertainment in front of children, which is a very serious subject.”