Oped: Park Theatre tarnished their community-friendly reputation by featuring prominent figures tied to January 6 insurrection

Thirteen pro-democracy and human rights organizations representing thousands of Rhode Islanders and Southern New Englanders expressed concern over the Park Theatre’s choice to provide a platform for individuals associated with the January 6 attack, election denialism, and extremist rhetoric in its August 15 event billed as a “Rhode Island First Rally.” The groups say that the choice to host this event is “deeply at odds with the values of Rhode Islanders and the community-centered reputation the Park Theatre has cultivated.”

From a press release

In a letter to the Park Theatre’s Venue Manager, the organizations write:

“Our organizations are advocates for free speech and freedom of assembly, even for views and behaviors to which we are strongly opposed, and we do not question their right to hold the event, or the Park Theatre’s right to host it. However, groups associated with Rudy Giuliani and Vic Mellor routinely advocate against the free speech and assembly rights of those they disagree with. Their alignment with anti-democracy groups and actions like the January 6, 2021 Insurrection clearly indicate this. Their exclusionary credo is hateful and frightening to many in our diverse Rhode Island communities. We believe that the residents and businesses in the Park Theatre’s vicinity deserve to be informed and prepared for the rally’s headline speakers and their followers.”

The rally’s headline speakers include several figures whose public actions and statements have alarmed Rhode Islanders:

Rudy Giuliani, a disgraced, disbarred political operative, has piled up serious criminal charges primarily related to his illegal actions surrounding the 2020 presidential election in Georgia and Arizona. Giuliani is accused of participating in a criminal enterprise aimed at overturning the election, including persuading public officials to illegally appoint alternate electors, conspiracy to commit forgery, and impersonating a public officer. Many female former employees or coworkers have credibly accused him of sexual harassment and abuse. Most notably, Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million for defaming two Georgia election workers, leading to his bankruptcy proceedings.

Vic Mellor, a congressional candidate (RI-02), has not lived in Rhode Island for more than 30 years. Mellor has acknowledged attending the January 6th insurrection and was photographed wearing a shirt reading “VIOLENCE MIGHT BE THE ANSWER.” He has repeatedly promoted anti-vaccine rhetoric and conspiracy theories. Mellor has publicly called COVID-19 a “hoax,” and referred to people who trust vaccines as “weak” and “lazy.” He has used his personal wealth to fund anti-science and anti-public-health campaigns, including efforts to take over public hospital boards to advance anti-vaccine agendas. Mellor has been actively involved in Michel Flynn’s “Reawaken America” tour — a traveling event promoting election denialism, Christian nationalism, and vaccine conspiracy theories. Mellor is renting a home in Warwick to establish residency for his congressional campaign.

The letter emphasizes that the Park Theatre portrays itself as a family-friendly, community-oriented venue that presents musical, comedy, and kids-oriented events in the heart of Cranston. The groups noted that, tellingly, the event featuring Giuliani and Mellor is not on the Theatre’s event calendar or shown on the Theatre’s marquee.

Although the event is being marketed as a charitable community gathering, the headline speaker is a prominent figure in the national far-right movement, with documented ties to the violent groups that attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, and a public history of rhetoric that has caused fear and real harm to vulnerable communities across Rhode Island and the country. No specific charities or causes are identified in the advertisement.

“The Park Theatre is a well-known entertainment venue with an important position in Rhode Island’s economy. We believe that your employees and neighbors deserve to know the rhetoric and past behavior of the people you are hosting at this upcoming event,” the letter states.

The organizations also warn that Rhode Islanders and potential performers may be prepared to “vote with their wallets” in response to the Park Theatre’s decision.

The letter concludes by urging the Theatre to take seriously the concerns of the community that supports its business, choose events with public safety and welfare in mind, and at least be transparent with the public when such events occur.

Pro-democracy and human rights groups from across Rhode Island and Southern New England cosigned the letter, including many groups involved in area “No Kings” rallies and bridge overpass visibility brigades. These groups emphasize voting rights, the dignity of workers and residents of Rhode Island, and the protection of those who are being cruelly and illegally targeted for abuse and deportation.

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