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Statement Regarding January 16 Incident and Subsequent Online Activity

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DENVER, CO (January 30, 2026) — On January 16, 2026, a TikTok creator ( from Texas attended a karaoke event at Ballyhoo Table & Stage, located at 3300 Tejon Street in Denver’s Lower Highlands. Two videos of her participating in a group karaoke performance were posted to Ballyhoo’s social media platforms without her consent.

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The guest requested removal of the videos. On January 23 at 10:07 PM, Ballyhoo received a Cease and Desist email requesting removal within 48 hours. The videos were removed within approximately 19 hours. On January 24 at 5:25 PM, the guest confirmed via email that the videos had been removed.

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Subsequently, it was discovered that additional copies of the videos remained in Instagram highlights and other shared placements. These were removed upon discovery.

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Beginning January 24, the guest published seven TikTok videos alleging that Ballyhoo had outed her sexuality and endangered her safety. As of January 30, five of those videos remain publicly available.

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Following the TikTok posts:

• Ballyhoo and its owner, Julia Tobey, received a significant volume of online comments, direct messages, negative reviews, and threats.

• An official case was opened with the Denver Police Department after threats were received, including threats directed at Tobey and her family. 

• Ballyhoo experienced an influx of one-star Google reviews. Google’s automated systems removed some reviews flagged as review bombing.

• Most scheduled programming from January 30 through the end of February has been canceled. Some performers withdrew their participation.

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Ballyhoo issued two public apologies on social media. Both were later removed, and social media accounts were set to private or disabled.

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Ballyhoo’s attorney sent a Cease and Desist to the guest requesting removal of the TikTok videos. The guest declined, stating her content constituted protected speech. No lawsuit will be pursued by Ballyhoo.

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The guest launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Protecting Queer Voices” with a $10,000 goal, stating funds would support legal consultation. As of this release, the fundraiser has raised $764 from 34 donors. The fundraiser notes funds will be returned if no lawsuit occurs.

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Ballyhoo Table & Stage opened in November 2025 and is currently evaluating its operational future following the cancellations and loss of revenue.

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Venue:
Ballyhoo Table & Stage
3300 Tejon Street
Denver, CO
www.ballyhoodenver.com

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Press Contact:
Julia Tobey
Owner & Founder
hello@ballyhoodenver.com