In a shocking twist that's less 'Gavel-to-Gavel' and more 'Wig-to-Wig,' Judge Thaddeus Hardtack, the very same jurist who recently issued a controversial ban on drag performances in the city, has been secretly attending a weekly drag show, sources exclusively reveal to the *Woke Weekly News*. Witnesses describe the usually stern Judge Hardtack, known for his conservative pronouncements and penchant for gavel-banging (allegedly to the beat of disco), enthusiastically participating in audience participation games, including a particularly spirited round of 'Find the Queen's Hidden Pasties.'

"It was surreal," says one eyewitness, a flamboyant barista named Tiffany who claims to have once served Hardtack a 'Trannylicious Latte' (which he ordered, quite loudly, twice). "He was throwing dollar bills like confetti and yelling 'Yas Queen!' with the ferocity of a thousand Sasha Velours. The irony was thicker than Bianca Del Rio's shade."

Legal experts are baffled, speculating the Judge is either suffering from a severe case of cognitive dissonance (a condition increasingly common amongst those who confuse 'tolerance' with 'terror'), or, more intriguingly, is secretly auditioning for a new reality TV show called 'RuPaul's Best Friend Race,' rumored to feature contestants who 'love to drag' and 'love to deny that they love to drag.'

Judge Hardtack's office released a statement claiming the whole thing is a 'misunderstanding' and that the 'Judge was merely conducting 'research' into the 'nature of public performance'. The statement conveniently omitted details about the Judge's alleged purchase of an autographed RuPaul wig, said to be an 'investment opportunity.'

Meanwhile, the LGBTQ+ community is responding with a mix of amusement and bewildered concern. "So, he's banning us, but also secretly living his best life on the down low? We're not mad, we're just... confused. And maybe a little bit entertained," says activist and renowned shade-thrower, Trixie Mattel-esque (they prefer to go by 'Mattel-esque' now).

The legal battle continues, raising questions about judicial impartiality and the surprisingly high demand for 'Trannylicious Lattes' in the downtown area.