A performance of Frozen on Broadway of Friday as the cast took bows during the curtain call at the St. James Theater, Timothy Hughes—who plays Pabbie the troll snatched a banner that read “Trump 2020” from a front-row audience member wearing a “Make America Great Again” visor and tossed it back into the wings.
Hughes later took to Instagram to say that he stood behind his decision.
“What does it say about our country and politics when a man at the show tonight felt the need to protest Disney’s Frozen on Broadway with a pro Trump flag?? How frightening is it that our show’s messages of love, acceptance, and diversity have become the opposition to supporting Trump? The curtain call is a thank you between actors and audience, a final connection to end a shared experience. I will not apologize for how I responded to the disrespectful man trying to interrupt this moment with a pathetic political platform. Not at our show! Not in front of my beautiful, diverse, talented cast at @frozenbroadway. I appreciate everyone’s support.”
While most people applauded Hughes’ decision to stop this inappropriate disruption, Trump supporters and the Trump banner waving troll himself were rather upset and he stood outside after the performance threatening to sue the theater if he didn’t get his flag back.
A heartfelt BRAVO to actor Timothy Hughes for putting the Trump troll in his place.
Ya’ll someone really paid $200+ to see Frozen on Broadway just to hold up a Trump sign during the bows… and then this! Haha! pic.twitter.com/JO5xRbLtYX
— Patrick Dougall (@PatrickADougall) September 6, 2018
I believe in Freedom of speech. A right guaranteed to us in the Bill of Rights. That does not mean you shout fire in a crowded Theater. I also believe in Freedom of Expression. Mr Hughes exercised his right in his performance. The man with the banner tried to alter the focus of Mr Hughes performance with that banner. The man with the banner did nothing to help Mr Trump. If anything ,the man accomplished was to confirm in the minds of the people in that theater, that Mr Trumps supporters are rude,crude and manner-less.