You are forgiven if you’ve never watched an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race or its spinoff series, RePaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Here’s what you’re missing.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is like the Olympics of sass, sequins, and shade. It features a group of outrageously talented and fabulously attired drag queens battling it out in a glitzy arena, armed with nothing but wits, wigs, and a blindingly sparkling wardrobe. They strut, sashay, and lip-sync for their lives in a whirlwind of drama and men’s tears, where the stakes are high, the lashes are long, and the only thing bigger than the personalities are the hairstyles.
The winning queen struts off with as much as $200,000 in recent seasons. Alongside the monetary prize, the chosen one secures the prestigious title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar,” propelling their drag career to new heights with increased booking fees, merchandise sales, and prospective media engagements.
Darius Jeremy Pierce, widely known as Shangela, stands out on the runway of RuPaul’s Drag Race. His story began in Season 2, where he faced an early elimination. His charm led to his return as a surprise contestant in Season 3, where he placed sixth. Shangela’s popularity soared, earning him a spot on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 3, where he clinched a joint-third/fourth position.
Perhaps Pierce’s most memorable moment was in June 2022, when Vice President Kamala Harris invited him to her home, marking the first-ever LGBTQ Pride Event at Number One Observatory Circle, the vice president’s official residence.
A few months later, he was invited to the White House for Biden’s ceremonial signing of The Respect for Marriage Act. He wore drag attire and snapped photos with the vice president at the event.
It was a fairy tale princess dream come true for the 42-year-old man.
But Pierce is more than a pretty man in a dress. He’s also, if allegations are to be believed, a serial rapist.
An extensive investigation lasting 16 months, revealed by Rolling Stone on Monday (March 18), has brought to light various independent claims accusing Pierce of engaging in coercive and abusive conduct over several years.
Rolling Stone Magazine recently revealed the findings of its 16-month investigation into potential rape charges against Pierce and has found several concerning claims.
According to the report, four individuals have accused Pierce of sexual assault or attempted sexual acts with them while they were too impaired to consent. Additionally, a fifth person has claimed that Pierce tried to engage in non-consensual anal sex after they had rejected him.
All five accusers said they struggled with the decision to come forward because they were worried, citing the increase in laws against drag and trans communities in some parts of the country. But despite their fears, all five of them felt strongly that Pierce needed to face the consequences of his actions and chose to speak out.
These new accusations follow a claim of sexual assault by a production assistant on “We’re Here,” a reality TV show that included Pierce for its initial three seasons. The alleged incident reportedly took place in February 2020 in Los Angeles. Immediately after the assault, the production assistant reported the incident to police. The accuser later filed a lawsuit against Pierce and his employer, Buckingham Television, and settled in February 2024. The lawsuit was subsequently dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. Pierce maintains his innocence in the case.
The new assault claims allegedly occurred across various locations, including Louisiana, Texas, California, and the UK. These incidents reportedly occurred while Pierce was rocketing to stardom through his appearances as Shangela from 2012 to 2018.
And he likes them young – all five recent accusers are between 18 and 23.
Pierce has denied the accusations but acknowledged meeting with four of the individuals on the dates mentioned for the alleged assaults. However, he maintains that he does not recall encountering the fifth accuser.
While the glitz and glam of RuPaul’s Drag Race may dazzle its fanbase, it seems there’s a darker side lurking behind the sequins. Pierce’s story is a tale of fame, fabulousness, and some seriously troubling accusations. Welcome to the real drag drama, where not everything sparkles as brightly as it seems.
