The intersection of the Lower East Side and Chinatown, known as Dimes Square, has seen better days. Once a hotspot for rising stars, it has recently lost some of its luster. Just last week, Kiki’s, a popular Greek spot, was seized by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for owing over $1 million in taxes. Yet, the spirit of Dimes Square was very much alive this past Saturday night at Le Père.
Le Père, a menswear store, hosted a poetry reading headlined by writer Victoria Rose, better known as the controversial internet sensation Woah Vicky. The event drew dozens of aspiring downtown cool kids, all eager to witness the spectacle.
Who is Woah Vicky?
Victoria Rose, or Woah Vicky, gained national attention in the 2010s for her outlandish online behavior. From claiming Black ancestry to using the N-word casually, her actions often sparked controversy. She even released a rap song titled “Woah Vicky” and feuded with rapper Bhad Bhabie. By 2026, she had rebranded as a Christian and accused Lil Nas X of faking his sexuality to gain fame. Despite the controversy, she has amassed a significant following: 3.5 million Instagram followers, 9.3 million TikTok followers, and over a million YouTube subscribers.
Woah Vicky’s X account is where she truly shines, with hyper-confessional, typo-laden posts that fascinate a certain subset of the internet. Her tweets often gain national attention, such as her 2026 tweet about being kidnapped, which she later admitted was a joke. Recent popular tweets include “you don’t need a collage degree when you got Jesus” and “I’ve never met a person who wears colored contacts that is mentally sound.”
The Poetry Reading at Le Père
By 7:15 p.m., Le Père was filled with names known to the downtown set, including True Whitaker and Caroline Calloway. The atmosphere was electric, with Michael Jackson blaring from the speakers—a defiant “fuck you” to cancel culture. Woah Vicky arrived at 7:45, arm in arm with Harry Daniels, a Gen Z influencer known for his unconventional performances. The crowd cheered and took photos as she made her way through, before she and Daniels slipped away to a back stairwell.
The evening’s host, Alex Hartman, kicked off the event with mentions of Kiki’s seizure and the Strait of Hormuz. Various writers shared their work, including novelists Avigayl Sharp and August Lamm. Caroline Calloway, known for her lack of preparation, vamped for about 10 minutes before finally sharing her translation of six poems by first century BCE writer Sulpicia. Her performance was a mix of manic energy and sunny disposition, though her translations were nothing special.
Woah Vicky’s Performance
As the night progressed, the focus shifted to Woah Vicky. Many wondered if she wrote her own tweets, which often seem too perfectly engineered to be genuine. She opened with a prayer, separating the Woah from the Vicky and declaring herself a child of God. Her performance was more like a church revival, with repeated calls to God and Jesus, and a rapturous response from her followers.
Despite her nervousness, Woah Vicky’s distinct Southern accent and blunt honesty shone through. She shared personal anecdotes and poems, such as one about Michael Jackson and her love for autistic kids. The crowd went wild, especially when she read about her vacations to Tanzania and Nigeria, where she joked about the bride price being 300 cows.
The night at Le Père was a testament to the enduring spirit of Dimes Square. Despite its recent struggles, the neighborhood remains a haven for those who seek attention and controversy. Woah Vicky’s performance was a highlight, showcasing her unique blend of poetry and personality that continues to captivate her followers.
