White House Bans Activists Following Uproar
The White House issued a stern warning at the consequences of "inappropriate behavior" following an incident involving two trans activists who went topless at a recent White House event.
Rose Montoya, a well-known TikTok influencer and biological male who is transgender, posted a video of the incident on Saturday which has since sparked backlash.
At the event to celebrate Pride Month, Montoya and another unnamed trans activist, a biological female, bared their breasts on the South Lawn with the White House in view behind them.
In the video, Montoya smiles next to President Joe Biden and tells him, “It’s an honor, Mr. President. Trans rights are human rights.” Biden is then seen attempting to take a selfie with Montoya and other attendees, but the camera was set to video mode.
A White House spokesperson released a statement warning against such behavior and indicated that the individuals seen in the video would not be invited to future events.
“This behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful for any event at the White House,” the official said. “It is not reflective of the event we hosted to celebrate LGBTQI+ families or the other hundreds of guests who were in attendance. Individuals in the video will not be invited to future events.”
Montoya appeared to stand by the display of nudity in a follow-up video on TikTok, arguing that going topless is "legal" in Washington, D.C.
“I fully support the movement and freeing the nipple,” Montoya said. “My trans masculine friends were showing off their top surgery scars and living in joy, and I wanted to join them. And because it is perfectly within the law of Washington, D.C. I decided to join them and cover my nipples just to play it safe.”
The incident has sparked an array of reactions from social media users. While some people have applauded Montoya and the other activists for their “bold” display of support for the trans community, others have condemned their behavior for disrupting the atmosphere of a White House event.
“Wow. Absolutely ridiculous,” one user tweeted. “Disgraceful behavior and nothing but a sign of disrespect for the White House.”
Public displays of nudity are prohibited in White House settings and the consequences could be serious. It remains to be seen if any further action will be taken against those involved, but for now, the White House has made it clear that this type of behavior is not accepted and will not be tolerated.
NSFW: Trans activists post video of themselves topless at White House Pride event
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 13, 2023