All the biggest RuPaul’s Drag Race scandals that threatened the entire future of the show
Some of these are insane
Since its debut in 2009, RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a cultural powerhouse, racking up Emmy Awards and transforming drag from underground art into mainstream spectacle. But the road hasn’t always been glittery over the years, the show has weathered scandals that sparked outrage, sparked serious conversations, and, in some cases, threatened the integrity of the series itself. Here’s a countdown of the most notorious controversies, from minor blow-ups to major crises.
8. The Drag Race vs Drag Kings debate
At first glance, the absence of drag kings might not seem scandalous, but for a show that claims to represent drag culture, it’s a notable blind spot. People have criticised the show for perpetuating gender biases by largely ignoring drag kings, per Them. While the debate hasn’t derailed the franchise, it sparked important conversations about inclusivity and representation in drag.
7. Season seven backlash: ‘The end of an era’
Season seven drew criticism for what many felt was a drop in quality and authenticity. Winner Violet Chachki called it “the end of an era,” per The Tab, and folks echoed that sentiment, claiming the show had shifted from raw, edgy fun to polished, commercialised entertainment. While no one was harmed and the season aired as planned, it marked a moment when people worried about the franchise losing its original charm.
6. Drag Race fandom’s toxicity
The fandom’s passion can be a double-edged sword. Over the years, some queens have faced harassment, cyberbullying, and even racism from certain corners of the fanbase. While this hasn’t shut down the show, it created a hostile environment for performers and highlighted the pressures of being part of a televised drag culture.
5. ‘Shemale’ controversy in season six
Season six featured a mini-challenge called “Female or She-male?”, a term offensive to transgender women. The backlash was immediate. Logo removed the segment and retired the “You’ve got she-mail” catchphrase, forcing RuPaul and the show to reckon with language and representation in a new, more inclusive way.
4. RuPaul’s transphobic comments
RuPaul sparked major controversy in 2018 when he suggested in an interview that he wouldn’t allow transgender contestants, likening it to doping in sports. The backlash was swift, with winners and the public criticising him. RuPaul later apologised, and the show clarified its commitment to inclusivity, per BBC, but the episode shook trust in the franchise’s stance on representing the full drag spectrum.
3. Producer drama and firing leaks
Behind-the-scenes conflicts occasionally bubble over. In 2023, a former Drag Race producer claimed they were fired and shared insider leaks about cast scouting, All Stars, and banned queens via Pink News. The veracity of the claims remains unclear, but the drama exposed how much happens behind closed doors and raised questions about transparency and workplace culture.
2. Behind-the-scenes exploitation allegations
Reports of low pay and the monopolisation of drag by the Drag Race franchise have also surfaced, per Fight Back News. Contestants have claimed that the show profits off drag culture while restricting performers’ earnings and opportunities. This ethical debate has serious implications for the perception of the show and its treatment of artists.
1. Sherry Pie’s catfishing scandal
The most shocking scandal came when Sherry Pie (Joey Gugliemelli) was disqualified from season 12 after multiple men accused her of catfishing them with fake acting opportunities and coercing them into sending sexually explicit videos, per Vox. This criminal and predatory behaviour led to major editing changes, public apologies, and intense scrutiny of the show’s vetting process, arguably threatening its credibility more than any other scandal in Drag Race history.
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