A Landmark Victory for LGBTQ+ Rights: Drag Performers Successfully Sue Blogger for Defamation
A Cautionary Tale Against Hate Speech
Felicia Crichton, a Thunder Bay drag performer, has emerged victorious in a defamation lawsuit against a Facebook blogger who falsely accused her and two other performers of pedophilia. The case has sent a powerful message to those who spread anti-LGBTQ+ slurs and hate speech. Crichton, along with the others, won their case against Brian Webster, the administrator of a Facebook page that targeted them with baseless accusations during drag storytime events at libraries in northwestern Ontario. Thunder Bay Superior Court Justice Helen Pierce ruled that Webster’s posts were reckless and damaging, ordering him to pay a total of $380,000 in damages to the performers and an LGBTQ+ nonprofit, Rainbow Alliance Dryden (RAD). Crichton hopes the ruling will serve as a warning to bigots, stating, “We’re tired of it. They need to be afraid to be bigots again.” The case underscores the consequences of using hate speech and the importance of accountability online.
The Impact of Reckless Accusations
The performers and RAD sued Webster in two separate cases, alleging he falsely accused them of being “groomers” and “grooming” children during drag storytime events. These events are age-appropriate activities where drag performers read books to children to foster inclusion and educate young people about LGBTQ+ families. Webster’s posts linked the performers to unrelated child pornography cases, further amplifying the harm. The court heard that Webster engaged with comments on his posts, liking and using laughing emojis in response to statements that called the performers pedophiles, mentally ill, and sexually abusive. Justice Pierce emphasized that the term “groomer” is a slur historically used to falsely accuse LGBTQ+ individuals of preying on children, and its use has surged in response to drag story hours across Canada. Webster’s actions were deemed intentional and malicious, with the judge concluding that his posts effectively labeled the performers as pedophiles.
A Landmark Decision Against Hate Speech
The ruling is being celebrated as a landmark decision that helps establish case law around the use of “groomer terminology” against LGBTQ+ individuals. Douglas Judson, the lawyer representing the performers, called the judgment a “complete repudiation of the suggestion that this type of hate speech has any public interest value.” The court recognized the severe harm caused by such accusations, noting that hate crimes in Canada motivated by sexual orientation increased by 388% between 2016 and 2023. An expert witness also warned of the growing threat of extremist-inspired violence against the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the urgent need for legal protections. The ruling serves as a powerful reminder that hate speech has real-world consequences and will not be tolerated.
The Human Cost of Defamation
The performers involved in the case have shared how Webster’s posts deeply affected their lives. Caitlin Hartlen, a Dryden-based performer and co-chair of RAD, expressed concern that the accusations could harm her professional reputation and community standing, particularly as she works for an Indigenous child and family services agency. Felicia Crichton, a mother of four, described the pain of thinking her children might hear the false accusations at school or in their community. She also felt disheartened by seeing mutual friends engage with Webster’s posts, a reminder of how quickly hate can spread online. Despite the challenges, the court’s ruling has restored some of her faith in humanity, calling it a relief to know “someone was listening and heard us.”
The Broader Implications for LGBTQ+ Safety
The case highlights the broader struggle faced by drag performers and LGBTQ+ individuals across Canada. In recent years, drag story hours have been repeatedly targeted with violent death threats, forcing many events to be canceled or rescheduled. The ruling against Webster sends a clear message that such behavior will not go unchecked. Performers and organizers hope the decision will embolden others to stand up against hate and deter those who seek to spread harmful rhetoric. As Crichton put it, “There are receipts now,” emphasizing that online actions leave a permanent record and can have real-world consequences.
A Message of Hope and Accountability
The ruling is more than just a legal victory; it’s a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. It reminds everyone that words have power and that spreading hate can have serious repercussions. The performers involved in the case expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, which they believe will help create a safer, more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. As hate speech continues to be a pressing issue, this case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for truth, dignity, and human rights. It also underscores the need for accountability in the digital age, where social media can both amplify hate and hold abusers to account. For the LGBTQ+ community, this ruling is a step forward in the ongoing fight against discrimination and violence.
