In a landmark case, New Hampshire State Rep. David Love has been ordered to pay $100,000 each to drag performers Robert Champion and Michael McMahon and publicly apologize after he falsely accused them of being pedophiles. The settlement marks the end of a two-year legal battle that began when Love made defamatory statements while introducing a bill requiring criminal background checks for library employees and volunteers. In February 2022, Love, who had previously opposed drag queen story hours, claimed Champion—performing as Monique Toosoon—and McMahon—known as Clara Divine—had inappropriate interactions with children. Champion, who participated in a Nashua event in 2019, was accused of being a “convicted sex offender,” while McMahon was alleged to have acted inappropriately at a 2021 event in Derry. Despite objections from the accused, local officials, and community members, Love persisted with these unfounded claims. The plaintiffs, however, now received a retraction and financial compensation following their lawsuit. Love’s public apology on social media acknowledged his failure to verify information. He wrote, “I have since learned that those assertions were completely false,” expressing regret and confirming the $100,000 payments. Following the settlement, Champion reflected, “When you say things that are that damaging or harmful about someone, they’re not going to just sit there and let it happen.” McMahon echoed the sentiment, saying, “I want this to stand as a message for other people to not lie.” #Queer Up Gay Culture