Blue Moon Bar Apologized for Blackface Performance
The Pittsburgh establishment implemented a new policy banning racially offensive performances after a September incident.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Dance
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Blue Moon Bar has issued an apology following a September 23 drag performance where a performer appeared in blackface to portray a character from the film FernGully. The bar management, who were not present during the event, have subsequently banned race-based performance depictions.
Why it matters
The incident occurred during an Open Stage Wednesday event overseen by guest hosts rather than the venue's regular management. The bar is now mandating that all future performers and audience members strictly adhere to new standards prohibiting content based on race, ethnicity, or nationality.
Blue Moon Bar has hosted approximately 1,000 performers over its 25-year history. The new policy also prohibits the use of water, glitter, blood, powder, and confetti during performances.
The players
Blue Moon Bar
This Pittsburgh establishment has operated as a venue for performance art for 25 years.
Hexxus
This is a fictional character from the 1992 animated film FernGully who was the subject of the controversial cosplay.
The details
The performer claimed the black makeup was intended to depict the character Hexxus from the 1992 animated film FernGully. Both the performer and the two guest hosts who managed the night have released public apologies following the incident.
Timeline
The animated film FernGully was released in 1992.
The blackface performance took place on September 23, 2026.
The performer issued an official apology on September 28, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This incident follows a pattern set by the historical usage of blackface in performance art by prompting an immediate policy revision at the venue level. Such shifts reflect a broader trend in the entertainment industry toward stricter vetting of stage content to avoid offensive depictions.
Patrons visiting Blue Moon Bar can expect stricter oversight during open stage nights as management enforces the new prohibited content guidelines. These rules also affect future performers who must now comply with bans on specific materials like glitter and powder.
The takeaway
Venues are increasingly formalizing conduct policies to prevent offensive portrayals by guest performers. Artists are encouraged to review venue-specific guidelines regarding character portrayals and stage materials before booking appearances.
Further reading
For more information on local performance standards, visit the Dance section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LGBTQ Nation.
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