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RuPaul’s Drag Race has been on the air for over a decade and has seen its fair share of drama and controversy. Here are ten of the biggest dramatic events that have occurred surrounding the show:
1. The disqualification of Willam Belli in Season 4
The disqualification of Willam Belli in Season 4 is one of the most dramatic events that has occurred on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Willam was a fan favorite and considered a strong contender for the crown, but she was eliminated from the competition in episode 11 of Season 4 for breaking the rules. Specifically, it was revealed that she had conjugal visits with her husband while filming the show, which is prohibited by the show’s rules. This revelation caused a lot of buzz and speculation among fans and the media, as many were shocked and disappointed by Willam’s elimination.
A few years later, Willam shared what really happened. Apparently, she had slept with a producer of the show and she wanted to be disqualified. According to Willam, she was booked for a gig and needed to get off the show.
Willam’s disqualification was a dramatic moment in the show’s history and is still remembered by fans as one of the most shocking eliminations to date. The incident sparked discussions about the rules and regulations of the show, and whether or not they were being enforced fairly. Willam has since moved on and continues to be a popular drag queen and entertainer, her fans also continue to appreciate her performances and style.
2. The Vixen walking out of Reunion Episode
During the reunion episode, Vixen expressed her frustration with her fellow contestants, saying that she felt ganged up on and unsupported by them throughout the season. She called out Aquaria, Eureka, and Kameron Michaels, claiming that they had not shown her the same level of respect and support as they had shown each other. This led to a heated exchange between Vixen and the other contestants, with some defending themselves and others agreeing with Vixen’s claims. RuPaul, the host of the reunion, attempted to mediate the situation, but the altercation continued to escalate. Eventually, Vixen decided to leave the reunion taping, stating that she felt disrespected and unsupported by her fellow contestants and the show’s producers.
The incident has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among fans of the show, with some supporting Vixen and her decision to walk out, and others criticizing her for not being able to handle the pressure and criticism that comes with being on a reality show. Some fans also felt that the incident highlighted issues of race, representation and inclusivity on the show.
3. Pangina’s elimination
Pangina had been a standout performer in UK vs The World, impressing judges and audiences alike with her high-energy performances, sharp comedic timing and incredible drag transformations. Fans had expected Pangina to make it to the final rounds, and many were shocked and disappointed when she was eliminated in the second episode.
Blu Hydrangea eliminated her biggest threat in the competition and the fans were not having it. Pangina was seen crying and being extremely down on herself for disappointing Thailand. However, I didn’t think Pangina disappointed anyone and despite her elimination, she remains a beloved figure in the drag community and her fans are eagerly anticipating her next performances.
The elimination of Pangina serves as a reminder that in reality competition shows, the elimination of a fan-favorite queen can be unexpected and heartbreaking, but it doesn’t mean the end of their career.
4. Mimi vs Shangela and production stop
Who doesn’t remember the iconic fight between Shangela and Mimi on Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Another dramatic moment in the show’s history, however the audience didn’t get to see everything.
Apparently, after Shangela’s iconic sugar daddy speech, her and Mimi Imfurst got into a physical fight that never aired. This is allegedly why production was halted for 3 weeks.
5. BenDeLaCreme’s self elimination
BenDeLaCreme, a fan-favorite contestant from Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, made a dramatic return to the show for its third All Stars season. However, her comeback was cut short when she made the surprising decision to eliminate herself from the competition.
After winning her lip sync battle, BenDeLaCreme was given the opportunity to eliminate one of her fellow competitors. Instead, she decided to eliminate herself from the competition, shocking both her fellow contestants and the show’s host, RuPaul.
In her decision, BenDeLaCreme stated that she felt that she had accomplished all that she wanted to in the competition and that she wanted to leave on a high note, rather than competing for the chance to be in the finale.
The decision to self-eliminate was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics of the show. Some praised BenDeLaCreme for her selflessness and integrity, while others criticized her for what they saw as a lack of ambition and drive to win.
Despite her early elimination, BenDeLaCreme’s time on All Stars 3 was memorable, and she continues to be a beloved figure in the drag community. Her self-elimination serves as an example of how the reality of the competition can be different from what one expects, and that sometimes it’s better to walk away on your own terms.
6. “She-mail” drama
The “she-mail” controversy refers to an incident that occurred on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where the show was criticized for its use of the term “she-mail” as a play on the word “email.” The term was used as a catchphrase on the show, which was intended to introduce the contestants’ mini-challenges.
Critics argued that the term was transphobic and offensive, as it plays off the derogatory term “she-male” which is often used to dehumanize transgender women. Furthermore, the show has a history of using transphobic language, which leads to a negative impact on the community.
The controversy prompted a backlash from fans and members of the LGBTQ+ community, who called for the show to stop using the term. In response, the show’s host, RuPaul, issued an apology on social media, in which he stated that the term was intended to be a playful and inoffensive pun, but that he understood how it could be hurtful to some viewers.
The show’s production team also issued a statement, announcing that they would be editing out the use of the term in future episodes and removing it from all online platforms. Additionally, the show reached out to GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) for guidance and to ensure that the show is inclusive and respectful to all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
The “she-mail” controversy highlights the importance of representation and inclusivity in media and entertainment, and the need for creators and producers to be mindful of the impact their words and actions may have on marginalized communities.
7. RuPaul’s bitch phase and Pearl-gate
In Season 7, specifically during the judging of Episode 3 titled “Shakesqueer”, RuPaul loses his composure and gets visibly upset at the contestants. That was the first time really that we saw an angry RuPaul. Well, the contestants really did poorly in that episode and I’m actually surprised there weren’t multiple eliminations that week.
Also, during filming of Season 7, the contestant Pearl had several bad experiences with RuPaul. She later revealed in an interview, how she approached RuPaul on set when the cameras were off and told her that she was a big fan and that he changed her life. However, RuPaul replied with: “Nothing you say matters, unless that camera is rolling.”
8. The disqualification of Sherry Pie in Season 12
In Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, contestant Sherry Pie (Joey Gugliemelli) was disqualified from the competition due to allegations of catfishing and deceit. The allegations came to light just before the airing of the show, when several actors came forward claiming that Gugliemelli had posed as a casting director and coaxed them into performing various humiliating and compromising acts on camera under the guise of auditioning for a non-existing production.
These allegations resulted in Sherry Pie’s disqualification from the show. Sherry Pie, issued a public apology acknowledging the harm he caused to the individuals, and expressed remorse for his actions. The production team of RuPaul’s Drag Race also issued a statement, announcing that Sherry Pie’s disqualification and that the footage of Sherry Pie would not be included in the airing of the show.
This incident raises serious questions about the casting process in the entertainment industry and the importance of accountability and transparency in the industry. It also highlights the need for people in positions of power to be held responsible for their actions, and for victims of deception and manipulation to be supported and believed.
The disqualification of Sherry Pie from Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race serves as a reminder of the importance of consent and ethical behavior in the entertainment industry, and the need for individuals in positions of power to be held accountable for their actions. The disqualification also serves as a reminder that although the show is a form of entertainment, real people and their lives are involved, and should be treated with respect and dignity.
9. Valentina’s elimination and Mask-gate
In Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, contestant Valentina was eliminated in a dramatic fashion after failing to lip sync for her life. The incident occurred when Valentina and fellow contestant Nina Bo’Nina Brown were chosen to compete in the final lip sync battle.
Valentina, who had previously been a front-runner in the competition, was asked to remove her mask by RuPaul, revealing that she had not learned the lyrics to the song. Valentina attempted to improvise, but ultimately was asked to leave the competition.
This elimination caused a lot of controversy, with many fans and other contestants expressing their disappointment and anger towards Valentina for not taking the competition seriously and not showing the respect to her fellow competitors. In the aftermath of her elimination, Valentina apologized for her mistake and for the disrespect it showed, and acknowledged that she should have been more prepared for the lip sync.
Valentina’s elimination from Season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history and a learning moment for future contestants, to be always prepared and give their all in every challenge, and not to take anything for granted.
10. Naomi Smalls eliminating Manila Luzon
On Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, contestant Naomi Smalls eliminated her fellow contestant Manila Luzon in a dramatic turn of events.
Naomi Smalls, who had formed a close friendship with Manila throughout the competition, ultimately made the decision to eliminate her, citing that she wanted to secure her own spot in the finale. The elimination caused an emotional reaction from both Manila and the other contestants, as well as fans of the show.
The elimination of Manila Luzon by Naomi Smalls was a controversial and dramatic moment in the season, as it showed the cut-throat nature of the competition and the sacrifices that contestants must make in order to win. It also highlighted the complex relationships between the contestants, and how alliances and friendships can be tested in the face of the competition.
Naomi Smalls’ decision to eliminate Manila Luzon was a bold and strategic move, but it also came with a price as it cost her a lot of criticism and backlash from fans, judges and other contestants as well.
11. Shangela’s elimination on All Stars 3
Um, isn’t this a top 10 list? Well, I couldn’t leave out this dramatic moment. So we have a top 11 list!
On Season 3 of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, the show introduced a new, dramatic twist to the elimination process called the “Jury Twist.” This twist allowed the eliminated contestants from that season to vote for the last two finalists of the competition.
This twist added a new layer of strategy to the competition, as the remaining queens had to not only impress the judges but also win over the jury members in order to secure a spot in the finale.
The jury twist was horribly received by the fandom, since it resulted in Shangela’s elimination. This lead to major disappointment and criticism of the show’s format. Shangela performed outstandingly during the competition, so it seemed unfair she didn’t get the chance to advance.
What are your top dramatic moments of RuPaul’s Drag Race? Leave a comment! Let’s chat!
