Taylor Sheesh hit by spectator during Pangasinan event; Bayambang mayor condemns incident

Taylor Sheesh was left “traumatized” after a spectator attacked her during her performance in Bayambang, Pangasinan.

According to Nelson Canlas’s report on “24 Oras,” Tuesday, the drag queen was a special guest during the town’s fiesta last Saturday.

In a clip captured by one of the event attendees, Taylor Sheesh could be seen coming down the stage to get closer to the crowd. But as she was walking, someone hit her neck, causing her to briefly stop performing.

“This is traumatic. Literally. I’m shaking [right now],” Taylor Sheesh said on X (formerly Twitter).

In a Facebook livestream, Bayambang Mayor Niña Jose-Quiambao expressed her disappointment over the incident.

“Here in Bayambang, we are a very inclusive, progressive town and that we love the LGBTQ community, and we serve all races, all genders, everyone here in Bayambang. So we strongly, strongly condemn the act of one individual last night towards Taylor Sheesh,” she said.

She added that she strongly condemns the incident and that homophobia and physical abuse have no place in their town.

“In behalf of LGU Bayambang and in behalf of the whole bayan of Bayambang, I want to truly apologize and say sorry to Taylor Sheesh and to all those who have been offended, especially the LGBTQ community,” she said.

The mayor said that they have identified the man who did the act and assured that “justice will be served.”

“Right now, this individual is in prison and there will be a case or cases will be filed against him and as far as I’m concerned, even by Taylor Sheesh,” she said.

Taylor Sheesh has addressed the incident in a statement posted on her social media accounts on Tuesday.

“Last April 6, I was physically assaulted while I’m performing by a guy who I didn’t even know. The security escorted him out and brought him to police station,” she said.

“And yesterday, he was arrested and I filed a case against the guy. Nalaman ko rin na marami siyang pending cases na nakapatong sa kanya,” she added.

Taylor Sheesh thanked Jose-Quiambao, the Bayambang government, and everyone who expressed their love and support for her.

“I will not tolerate violence against the LGBTQIA+ community. We need SOGIE Bill or a law to protect us from any kind of homophobic/transphobic activity. Hope we get the justice we deserve,” she said.

The Filipina drag artist has made waves worldwide for her performances as Taylor Swift. She staged her “Errors Tour” in Australia in February and Singapore in March.

She was featured on “Good Morning America,” Rolling Stone, Pop Crave, and Gay Times.

In a previous interview with GMA News Online, Taylor Sheesh said the international attention was totally unexpected.

Hi everyone. ???? pic.twitter.com/oBLdP9r1Yl

— Mac (Taylor Sheesh) (@heymacyou) April 9, 2024

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News