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Drag Queens Accuse Brian Tamaki's Church of Withholding Evidence in Defamation Case
๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฟ New Zealand /Culture & Society

Drag Queens Accuse Brian Tamaki's Church of Withholding Evidence in Defamation Case

From NZ Herald · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • Drag queens Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett, performing as Erika and CoCo Flash, are suing Brian Tamaki, Destiny Church, and some members for defamation and breach of contract.
  • The performers claim the church is withholding private messages, hindering their ability to present their case in court.
  • The lawsuit seeks $2 million in damages from Tamaki, Destiny Church, and associated members.

Drag performers Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett, known by their stage names Erika and CoCo Flash, are pursuing a $2 million defamation lawsuit against Brian Tamaki, Destiny Church, and several church members.

The performers, along with their company Haus of Flash Ltd, filed the action in 2024, alleging defamation and breach of contract. They claim that the church and its associated members have deliberately withheld private messages that are crucial to their case.

According to the drag queens' legal team, this alleged withholding of evidence is an attempt to prevent the rainbow performers from having their "day in court." The performers argue that these private messages are essential for substantiating their claims of defamation and breach of contract.

The lawsuit highlights a legal battle between the performers and the prominent Destiny Church, led by Brian Tamaki. The case centers on allegations of defamation, with the drag performers seeking significant financial damages.

DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by NZ Herald in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.