Top 10 most controversial moments from ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’: From fiery accusations to toxic fans allegations
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'RuPaul’s Drag Race' is celebrated for its vibrant celebration of drag culture, but it has also been a hotbed of controversy and drama. From heated accusations and uncomfortable confrontations to shocking eliminations and fan-driven scandals, the show has faced its share of uproarious moments. These controversies range from problematic language and personal revelations to disputes among queens and allegations of manipulation.
Each of these incidents not only sparked debate within the drag community but also influenced how fans engage with the show. Here's a look at the top 10 most controversial moments that have left a mark on 'RuPaul's Drag Race', in the world of reality TV and drag performance.
10. The 'Female or She-Male' segment
In 2014, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' aired a mini-challenge called "Female or She-Male" during Season 6. The segment involved contestants identifying whether a cropped photo showed a cisgender woman or a drag queen, using the derogatory term "she-male." This sparked outrage within the LGBTQ+ community, especially from transgender advocates who found the term offensive and harmful. Past contestant Carmen Carrera publicly condemned the segment, leading to significant backlash. RuPaul defended the show's language, but eventually, the iconic intro phrase “Oooh girl, you got she-mail!” was removed from the show to address the criticism.
9. Double elimination of Vivienne Pinay and Honey Mahogany
Season 5 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' featured a historic moment when both Vivienne Pinay and Honey Mahogany were eliminated in the same episode. During their lip-sync battle, RuPaul was unimpressed with both performances, leading to the unprecedented decision to send both queens home. This double elimination shocked fans and highlighted the high standards of the competition. It was the first time in the show's history that such an elimination occurred, marking a significant and controversial point in the series.
8. Ongina and Trinity's HIV revelations
Ongina, a contestant from Season 1, made a groundbreaking revelation when she disclosed her HIV-positive status after winning a challenge. This emotional moment brought tears to both Ongina and her fellow contestants, highlighting the bravery it took to share such a personal story on a public platform. Similarly, in Season 6, Trinity K Bonet opened up about living with HIV during an emotional episode. These revelations helped to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and reduce the stigma associated with the disease, earning widespread respect and admiration from fans and advocates.
7. Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderf*** split
Sharon Needles and Alaska Thunderf***, both celebrated contestants on 'RuPaul's Drag Race’, were a beloved couple in the drag community. Sharon won Season 4, while Alaska was the runner-up in Season 5. However, their relationship ended in 2013, and Alaska later revealed that Sharon's behavior had become violent, prompting the split. Despite the breakup, both queens continued to thrive in their careers, and they maintained a professional and personal friendship.
6. Phi Phi O'Hara's jail time
Phi Phi O'Hara, known for her dramatic persona on Season 4, revealed in a YouTube video that she had served jail time for past mistakes. This revelation came as a shock to many fans and highlighted the struggles she faced off-camera. Phi Phi discussed the harsh conditions she endured while incarcerated and how the experience changed her perspective on life. Her candidness about her past proved to be cotroversial, and sparked discussions about redemption and personal growth within the drag community.
5. Michelle Visage's criticism
Michelle Visage, a long-time judge on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' co-hosts the podcast 'What’s The Tee' with RuPaul. In one episode, she addressed why certain queens were not invited to tour with 'RuPaul’s Battle Of The Seasons.' She criticized some contestants for having egotistical and ungrateful attitudes, explaining that she didn't want to travel with queens who needed "humble pie." This comment led to backlash from both fans and the queens themselves, who felt targeted by her remarks. Michelle's outspoken nature and tough love approach often stir controversy, but she remains a respected figure in the drag community.
4. DWV Group split
The drag group DWV, consisting of Willam, Detox, and Vicky Vox, was known for their viral music videos and performances. However, the group disbanded in 2014 due to internal conflicts, which Willam described as "ego issues." The breakup was a significant event in the drag world, as DWV had a large fanbase and was influential in bringing drag culture into mainstream media. Despite the split, all three members continued to have successful solo careers, but the end of DWV marked the loss of a beloved collaboration in the drag community.
3. Pearl's Confrontation with RuPaul
During Season 7, contestant Pearl had a tense confrontation with RuPaul during a behind-the-scenes moment. Pearl felt that RuPaul's comments about her lackluster performance were dismissive and unhelpful. In a rare show of defiance, Pearl confronted RuPaul, leading to a heated exchange. Pearl's boldness in standing up to RuPaul was unprecedented on the show, as contestants usually revere the drag icon. The confrontation was never addressed on the show again, but it became a significant talking point among fans and revealed the pressures contestants face.
2. Adore Delano and ‘Toot or Boot’
Adore Delano, a fan favorite from Season 6, faced harsh criticism from "Toot or Boot" hosts Raja and Raven during an episode of 'Fashion Photo RuView’. They critiqued one of Adore's looks, calling it "trashy." Adore took to social media to express her feelings, stating that she felt bullied and that her style was "punk rock." This incident sparked a debate about the line between constructive criticism and bullying, with fans rallying around Adore while others defended the hosts' right to their opinions.
1. Season 7 elimination order allegations
Season 7 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' faced allegations that the elimination order was leaked and fixed. A Reddit user accurately predicted the top three contestants (Violet Chachki, Pearl, and Ginger Minj) and claimed that Katya's elimination was staged for a storyline. The user suggested that producers manipulated the outcomes to favor certain queens. These allegations fueled fan speculation and distrust, though RuPaul and the show's producers denied any foul play.
