Drag queens’ lawyer claims Destiny Church withholding private messages in Storytime defamation case
Drag performers are suing Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church for defamation, alleging the church is withholding evidence in the form of private messages. The performers claim the church's campaign against their library events caused financial and reputational harm.
Why it matters
This case touches on the intersection of religious freedom, defamation law, and the rights of LGBTQ+ performers in public spaces.
Drag Storytime performers Sunita Torrance and Daniel Lockett, stage names Erika and CoCo Flash, sued Brian Tamaki, Destiny Church and some church members for defamation and breach of contract in 2024. Photo / NZ Herald
Drag queens suing Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church for defamation claim the church is withholding private messages to deny the rainbow performers their day in court.
Drag performers Sunita Torrance, Daniel Lockett and their company Haus of Flash Ltd filed a $2 million defamation action against the church in 2024 with allegations of breach of contract, conspiracy to injure, unlawful means conspiracy, and defamation in relation to their community library events.
Last week, the drag collective’s lawyer tried to have the defence of Tamaki, Destiny Church and two of its members “struck out”, claiming that they weren’t providing the court with their communications.
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