Overview
- A costumed activist who identified himself as “Bongholeo” approached the Cranford Township podium, introduced a doll he called “Bongholita,” and performed a roughly three-and-a-half-minute parody of Lizzo’s “About Damn Time.”
- After the performer left the microphone, a different attendee carrying a “Refuse Gov’t Abuse” sign took the podium, sang, refused repeated warnings that his time had expired, and prompted the committee to recess the meeting.
- Police removed and arrested that second speaker, who was reported by Stereogum to have been charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury on a law enforcement officer after the removal.
- Audience reaction was largely unamused during the parody, and the disruption delayed committee business when yelling continued after the meeting reconvened.
- The episode follows an earlier October 2024 incident in Edison where the same activist was ejected from a council meeting, and it highlights growing friction over how local officials enforce time, sound and conduct rules during public comment.