Lauren Boebert issues apology for behavior that got her booted from "Beetlejuice"

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert has apologized for the actions that got her kicked out of a Sunday performance of "Beetlejuice" in Denver. 

Boebert’s campaign manager, Drew Sexton, shared a statement with the Chieftain Friday evening in which the second-term congresswoman apologized for the "unwanted attention" her trip to the Buell Theatre in Denver has "brought to the community."

Boebert’s conduct at the Sept. 10 performance has received international media attention and blowback from members of both parties: she and a male companion, later identified by the Daily Mail as Quinn Gallagher, were accused of recording the show on a cell phone, vaping and "causing a disturbance."

Boebert's team initially denied the vaping allegation, but security camera footage — as was first reported first by 9News in Denver — showed the congresswoman was indeed vaping at the show.

Here’s what Boebert said:

"The past few days have been difficult and humbling, and I'm truly sorry for the unwanted attention my Sunday evening in Denver has brought to the community. While none of my actions or words as a private citizen that night were intended to be malicious or meant to cause harm, the reality is they did and I regret that.

“There's no perfect blueprint for going through a public and difficult divorce, which over the past few months has made for a challenging personal time for me and my entire family. I've tried to handle it with strength and grace as best I can, but I simply fell short of my values on Sunday. That's unacceptable and I'm sorry.

“Whether it was the excitement of seeing a much-anticipated production or the natural anxiety of being in a new environment, I genuinely did not recall vaping that evening when I discussed the night's events with my campaign team while confirming my enthusiasm for the musical. Regardless of my belief, it's clear now that was not accurate; it was not my or my campaign's intention to mislead, but we do understand the nature of how this looks. We know we will have to work to earn your trust back and it may not happen overnight, but we will do it.

“I'm deeply thankful to those in the 3rd District who have defended me and reached out this week and offered grace and support when I needed it the most. I've learned some humbling lessons these past few days but I vow moving forward, I will make you proud.”

Anna Lynn Winfrey covers politics for the Pueblo Chieftain. She can be reached at awinfrey@gannett.com. Please support local news at subscribe.chieftain.com.