Variety: “The U.S. touring production of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ has suspended James D. Beeks from its ensemble after the musical theater performer was arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Beeks, whose stage name is James T. Justis, portrayed Judas in the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.
“When not crossing the boards, Beeks was also apparently an affiliate of the Oath Keepers, the far-right anti-government militia organization that participated in the Jan. 6 riots. Beeks paid dues to the group in December 2020. According to a statement from the ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ producers, Beeks is ‘…suspended from the company indefinitely pending the outcome of the hearing. The production is giving its full cooperation to the authorities while the investigation is ongoing.’ Beeks is also a Michael Jackson impersonator with Broadway credits that include ‘Kinky Boots,’ ‘Aida,’ and ‘Ragtime.’
“Beeks was arrested in Milwaukee this week, where ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ was performing. According to his arrest warrant, Beeks participated in the attack on the Capitol while wearing a ‘BAD’ world tour jacket. He also carried a homemade shield and was part of a group of rioters who tried to breach the Senate chamber, according to the FBI’s criminal complaint. Law enforcement was able to establish that Beeks was in the D.C. area on Jan. 6 because he used his ATM card in Northern Virginia and in a parking lot in Washington. In addition, authorities linked social media posts featuring Beeks in the BAD jacket with surveillance photos of a rioter wearing the same coat.”