A dress designer in Occoquan, Virginia, is facing backlash after a local woman called the police on his boutique for displaying pro-Trump signs. Andre Soriano, the owner of the atelier and a well-known designer who created the iconic ‘Make America Great Again’ gown worn by singer-songwriter Joy Villa at the 2017 Grammy Awards, found himself entangled in a bizarre situation that he believes exemplifies a chilling attack on his First Amendment rights.
Soriano claims that he received legal notice to remove the Trump-supporting signs from his business. Despite the initial pleasantries, the encounter quickly escalated, leading to a heated argument and the woman calling the police. According to Soriano and his friend, Audra Johnson, a political activist who witnessed the incident, the woman was visibly distraught and even cried in the street.
Johnson, who captured the encounter on video, explained that the woman was eventually taken to a local restaurant to calm down. Soriano emphasized that as an American citizen, he has the right to express his political views through signage, whether it’s at his home or business. He views this incident as a violation of his artistic freedom and a symbol of the growing intolerance for diverse political opinions in America.
Soriano and Johnson, who reside above the store, were further harassed when they were cited a second time for displaying Trump signs, even after removing them from the business and hanging them on their personal property. The persistent harassment, Soriano believes, is a direct consequence of the city’s ordinance, which he considers overly restrictive and in conflict with the principles of freedom of speech and expression.
This incident is not an isolated case. Soriano revealed that he has faced significant repercussions for his political views since designing the ‘MAGA’ dress for Joy Villa. He lost connections with numerous celebrities, including Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, and Courtney Love, who allegedly blacklisted him due to his association with President Trump.
Soriano and Johnson, both artists in their respective fields, have experienced firsthand the stifling effects of political polarization in their industry. Johnson, a stage and film actress, was also blacklisted after being photographed at a pro-Trump rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Both artists believe that they are victims of a system that prioritizes conformity and political correctness over individual freedom and expression.
This situation highlights the ongoing debate about free speech and the right to express political views in the United States. Soriano’s story serves as a reminder of the potential consequences for individuals who dare to publicly support their political beliefs in an increasingly polarized society.
