World OutGames Miami Under Investigation

MIAMI BEACH, FL — The city of Miami Beach and Miami State Attorney's Office have opened an investigation into the World OutGames Miami, a massive LGBTQ event that was to take place primarily in Miami Beach. Organizers announced earlier in the day that most of the events had to be canceled for financial reasons. The games are scheduled to run from May 26 to June 4.

"Due to the potential misappropriation of funds, the Miami Beach Police Department and the State Attorney’s Office have conferred and are jointly opening a fraud investigation," explained Melissa Berthier of the city on Friday night. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Beach Patch.)

Berthier said that the city had been working with organizers of the event for months and was a sponsor. She said the city received notice that the opening and closing ceremonies and most of the sports programming had been canceled with the exception of soccer, aquatics and country western dance. She said that a planned human rights conference and cultural program were still expected to take place.

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"City staff has worked consistently for the past several months to assist the event producers with special events planning and permitting; fundraising efforts; relocating events to low or no cost venues; assisting with local partners to provide support and access; and providing financial support to cover police staffing costs," she said. "As a lead sponsor of the event, the city also waived all related special event and permitting fees for this event and provided cash sponsorship to the OutGames."

Berthier stressed that the city is committed to its LGBTQ community, and that officials will "do everything within our power" to determine the potential failures within the organization that caused so much of the even to be scrapped at the last minute. News reports said that some participants have flown to Miami Beach from long distances and even outside the United States.

"We welcome the athletes, families, and visitors in attendance for the events still scheduled, and remain honored to be chosen as a host city known for our unwavering commitment to the LGBTQ community," she added.

According to the event website, the event was expected to draw "thousands of participants, spectators and thought leaders from around the globe" for theWorld OutGames IV, a 10-day event with more than 450 events across three areas: sport, culture and human rights.

"World OutGames Miami will challenge you physically, stimulate you intellectually and enliven you emotionally," organizers stated on the website. "Be part of it all, and leave transformed for the better – in your mind, your body and your heart."

The event said it was licensed by the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association.

A rainbow flag flies over Miami Beach City Hall during the recent Gay Pride Week celebration. Photo courtesy of Miami Beach.