Former Married At First Sight star Dean Wells was dropped by his management after he posted a manipulated photo criticizing a drag queen Story Time event.
The 44-year-old reality star came under fire this week when he shared a photoshopped flyer on Instagram promoting a performance by Sydney drag queen Charisma Belle at Manly Library for children aged three and over.
The “misleading” version shared by Dean featured a manipulated image of Charisma spreading her legs in a vulgar manner with a taco crotch.
Former Married At First Sight star Dean Wells (pictured) was dropped by his management after he shared a “misleading” photo criticizing a drag queen Story Time event
“The Drag Queen Story Time will feature stories and songs celebrating family, love and selfhood,” reads the flyer.
“Story Time is followed by a creative craft that participants can keep. Suitable for children over 3 years old.
When Dean shared it, he included a lengthy statement condemning the event.
“Our taxpayer dollars are being used to fund a cause called Drag Queen Story Time, where drag queens go into our libraries and schools and get paid to read to children as young as three, usually about gender identity and from an extremist left perspective,’ he wrote.
“I honestly don’t understand what the cultural benefit of this is and I think it sends confusing messages to children.”
Dean shared on Instagram a “fake” photoshopped flyer promoting a performance by Sydney drag queen Charisma Belle at Manly Library for children as young as three
Dean also said that “being a drag queen is inherently sexual” and that some “have serious mental disorders that need to be managed.”
The post sparked a backlash online, and Dean eventually removed it from his page.
Charisma Belle, the drag queen booked for the event, also responded to the excitement in a lengthy statement of her own.
“Another straight man telling people how to behave and dissecting a community they have very limited experience with,” Charisma wrote.
The 44-year-old also said that “being a drag queen is inherently sexual” and that some “have serious mental disorders that need to be managed”.
The performer said calling the art of drag “sexual” was “ridiculous” before slamming Dean for sharing a manipulated image.
“You intentionally searched my Instagram page to find the ‘sexiest’ picture you could find to mock a fake ad for the event. You intentionally misrepresented the situation and misled your followers,” Charisma wrote.
“Story Time isn’t just about the kids. It’s about the whole family. After reading to the children, I chat with the parents and answer any questions that may arise,” they explained.
“Story Time is for parents who want their children to grow up to be well-adjusted human beings. At a story time that I hosted, we had a boy who loved wearing sequins and glittery shoes. His father bought him for story time to show him that he is not alone. You see, just like you and me, Story Time has many benefits and facets.”
Charisma Belle (pictured), the drag queen booked for the event, responded to the excitement with a lengthy statement, condemning Dean’s post
Charisma also claimed that the event could “save lives” and is therefore funded by taxpayers.
“You seem pretty worried about the taxpayer. I remind you that we all pay taxes, the parents of the participating children have paid their fair share and are obviously happy that this event exists,” said Charisma.
“The small amount we receive for events like this will not build a home or end hunger, but it could help create a safer environment for young LGBTIQA kids later in life. These small events could even save lives.”
After the backlash, Dean’s management agency, Stage Addiction, dumped him.
“As a queer-owned company, Stage Addiction has always celebrated and always will celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community,” the company said in a statement.
“The deeply hurtful comments Dean Wells made today are not in line with our values and as such we have parted ways.”
“Another straight man telling people how to behave and dissecting a community they have very limited experience with,” Charisma wrote
After the backlash, Dean’s management agency, Stage Addiction, dumped him
Stage Addiction represents many of Australia’s most progressive and diverse stars including Abbie Chatfield, Angie Kent, drag queen Art Simone and more.
The agency has been quite successful in recruiting Dean to work on reality television following his stint with MAFS in 2018, and landing him a spot on Channel 10’s Dancing With The Stars in 2020.
He now hosts his own politically incorrect podcast and YouTube series called Dangerous Ideas with Deano.
Chron Australia has reached out to Dean for comment.
Since his days in reality TV, Dean now hosts his own politically incorrect podcast and YouTube series called Dangerous Ideas with Deano