A performer who had been due to host a children’s entertainment event at Stirling’s Tolbooth has cancelled his appearance after facing backlash from angry parents because he also works as an adult entertainer.
Tom Harlow took the decision to cancel the ‘Under the ABC’ event, billed as a “mermazing storytelling and sing-along cabaret for kids”, where he performs under the moniker of Merman Tom.
Smith Museum and Art Gallery staff, who organised the event, say police have been called after the performer and staff were subjected to “personal attacks” over the billing.
On his Facebook page, Mr Harlow describes himself as “an international and award winning showboy, chanteur and MC based in Scotland”. The event had been set for the Tolbooth, in Stirling, on October 14.
The city’s Smith Museum and Art Gallery organised the event, having previously worked with Mr Harlow on a number of occasions previously.
This week, they issued a statement announcing the cancellation of the performance “at the artist’s request” and revealed that protesters have levelled abuse at the venue as well as gallery staff and the matter has been reported to police.
In a statement by the Smith this week, they said “a small group” have taken to social media to attack the event, organised by the Smith as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories.
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In the statement, they said: “This group have sought to provoke a negative reaction to the artist and performer Merman Tom.
“Tom is a well-established professional performer who has a wide range of acts he delivers internationally.”
Chair of the Smith Trustees, Dr David Mitchell took aim at those protesting the event, saying: “The accusations made under the cover of ‘an organisation’ are worthy of scrutiny and I would encourage anyone to look beyond the spin and see the agendas being promoted here.
“Tom does deliver shows as a performer with adult content but he is an exemplary professional in his interaction with young people and our staff at the Smith also – his various acts are age appropriate and distinct.
“The focus of this particular show is the theme of inclusivity and having watched his show previously there is nothing of concern within it.”
On social media, scores of angry parents tagged the Observer in posts, in which they made wild, unsubstantiated, accusations against Mr Harlow.
Dr Mitchell added: “The accusations made and the subsequent threats made to Tom, including disruption of the event with children attending have led us to cancel this event at Tom’s request. This is not as a result of the views of a small vocal minority, but rather our collective responsibility to protect the wellbeing of our staff and members of the audience in light of the risks posed.
“The matter has been reported to Police Scotland and as an organisation we will pass evidence on when required.”
He continued: “We are sad to be in this position but feel the vast majority of our community will recognise it for what it actually is. We have agreed with Tom that his fee will be donated to the charity Stonewall.”
Stirling Council condemned the “personal attacks” on the venue and staff. A spokesperson said: “We can confirm the Smith has cancelled this event at the artist’s request. We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the personal attacks that have been levelled at both venue and Gallery staff by protesters.
“Staff should not be subject to abuse under any circumstances.”
The Observer contacted Mr Harlow for comment but he had not responded at the time of print.
