A shocking story has been making the rounds online. It claims that a popular drag queen was arrested for having sex with a 13-year-old boy. Some people are wondering if it’s really true. Others are asking if this is just another case of fake news. So, let’s look at the facts.
The story is real. A man named Michael Browder, who performs under the drag name Aubrey Ghalichi, was arrested and charged in Phoenix, Arizona. According to police and court records, he faces two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. That means he is accused of having sex with someone who is under the legal age of consent, which in Arizona is 18.
The case started back in June. That’s when Phoenix police began looking into a report about a 13-year-old boy who had sexual contact with adult men he met online. Investigators found messages on the boy’s laptop that led them to Browder. Police say Browder is well known in the local drag scene, and they recognized him right away.
Browder agreed to speak with investigators on September 16. During that interview, according to court records, he admitted to having sex with the teen. However, he claimed he didn’t know the boy was only 13. Browder said it was so dark in the apartment that he couldn’t tell the boy’s age. He also said he thought the boy was 18 or 19 years old.
The boy reportedly told police he had pretended to be older when chatting on the dating app. But even if that’s true, the law is clear: adults are responsible for checking the age of anyone they have sex with. Saying “I didn’t know” is not usually a strong defense when it comes to cases involving minors.
Once the charges became public, Phoenix Pride—the group that organizes the local Pride Festival—quickly cut ties with Browder. He had been scheduled to perform at their big October event, but after learning about the arrest, the group took action. They removed his name from all promotional materials and released a public statement.
“The crime alleged is one that we find reprehensible and entirely contrary to what Phoenix Pride stands for,” the group said. They also added that Browder has not been convicted yet and deserves a fair legal process. Still, they said their decision to remove him was based on the serious nature of the accusations and their duty to keep the event safe.
As of now, Browder is in legal trouble and awaiting the next steps in court. He is being held on a $10,000 bond. That means he has to pay that amount to be released while he waits for trial. If he does get out, there are strict rules he must follow. He will have to wear an ankle monitor, stay away from children, and not use weapons, drugs, or alcohol.
This case has raised many concerns—not just about one individual, but also about the risks kids face online. The internet can be a dangerous place, especially when minors pose as adults and connect with strangers. But at the end of the day, the law holds adults responsible for their actions, especially when it involves children.
So yes, the viral story is true. A drag queen named Aubrey Ghalichi, whose real name is Michael Browder, has been charged with a sex crime involving a 13-year-old boy. He says he didn’t know the boy’s age, but the legal system will now decide what happens next.
As always, it’s important to look past the headlines and check the facts. This case is serious, and it’s still ongoing. We’ll keep watching and reporting as more information comes out.