The Buttigieg Campaign Says No to a Gay Bar's Stripper Pole

Update: The pole has been identified by patrons as a dancer pole, rather than a stripper pole.

A Providence, R.I., fundraiser for Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign was moved at the last minute because of a stripper pole, according to people associated with the Friday night event.

Originally planned for the the Dark Lady, a gay bar in the Rhode Island capital, the fundraiser was moved after Buttigieg staff became aware of the pole and realized it couldn't be taken down. The event -- starring Chasten, Buttigieg's husband -- was then moved to the Hotel Providence, according to the Providence Journal.

The Dark Lady's management expressed frustration with the Buttigieg campaign.

"Pete Buttigieg's husband just canceled his appearance / fundraiser tonight at the Dark Lady because the "gay bar has a dancer pole!," the Dark Lady wrote on its Facebook page. "Sorry this event is no longer happening this evening. We guess this is what the gay candidate does to the gay community! #downonthepoles #dancersforanyoneelse"

For its part, the Buttigieg campaign didn't offer details of the last-minute move but released a statement affirming its appreciation for LGBTQ spaces:

"Our commitment to LGBTQ+ spaces is strong and we always strive to hold events in inclusive spaces," Buttigieg Deputy Press Secretary Tess Whittlesey wrote in an email to the Journal. "Pete and Chasten know first-hand how important it is for members of the LGBTQ+ community to have a safe space to gather and our campaign would never do anything to intentionally disrespect such a space."