What started as a tiny, low-budget show on Logo TV has ballooned into the Emmy-winning RuPaul's Drag Race franchise with versions all over the world. But with that success has come a dedicated fanbase known for getting toxic.
Drag Race is known for being one of the most diverse and inclusive shows on the air, but that hasn't stopped some fans from making racist threats of violence and spreading online hate campaigns, fatphobia, and cruel memes. The latest victim of the fandom’s cruelty is Art Simone, the runner-up in Drag Race Down Under season 1. The 33-year-old drag queen has taken to social media to call out fans for the hate campaign against her and plead with them to stop telling her to end her own life.
Art broke down in multiple Instagram videos after she started receiving hate for her appearance on the inaugural season of Drag Race Down Under vs the World, which started airing six weeks ago.
What did Art Simone say about the hate messages?
Art posted an Instagram video on Aug. 28 addressing the hateful comments she's been receiving since the show premiered, including one they put on screen that read, “just die.”
“Is this what you want? I’ve been quiet this whole time, but it just won’t stop. Please stop,” Art says in the emotional video.
“I didn’t want to share this with you, because by sharing this it gives power to them,” the video’s caption reads. “But it’s been over 6 weeks of a fanbase telling me go end my life. I went on Drag Race to champion and celebrate my favourite drag in the world and as a result, another fanbase has told me to die. I did 6 weeks but I’m so sorry, I’m not strong enough anymore - I can’t handle it. Please, please please stop.”
In a second emotional video posted later the same day, Art put another brutal comment on screen — “Same make up. Same silhouette. Stop breathing, hunny” — while pleading with the toxic part of the fandom to leave her alone.
“Everyone is just saying, ‘Oh wow, like just ignore it.’ It’s been over 6 weeks of this from one certain fanbase. Every day. Every day. I can’t,” Art said while tearing up.
How did the drama start?
As Art started doing well and winning challenges on Drag Race Down Under vs the World, some fans cheered her on, while others took the opportunity to troll her and send hateful messages.
According to fans on the r/DragRaceDownUnder subreddit, some of the hate stems from fans who think the best way to support their fave Drag Race Down Under vs the World queen M1ss Jade So is to tear her competition down.
Some of the hate Art received seems to have originated with Drag Files on Facebook, a Drag Race fan account from the Philippines which mostly posts Drag Race memes, comments about episodes of the shows, and praise showered on M1ss Jade So, who appeared on Drag Race Philippines season 2.
Art specifically called out Drag Files in the comments of the first video she made.
“And a special mention to ‘Drag Files’ who has created non-stop propaganda about me and have weaponised me against their favourite competitor,” she wrote. “They have constantly used me as click bait and as a tool to earn clicks so they can celebrate their queen. Without once thinking about me.”
This prompted Drag Files to post an apology for contributing “to the negativity directed toward Art Simone,” claiming that it was never their intention.
“I threw a shade or two about your mug and fashion, but I never wished anything hateful or personal toward you,” the apology reads. “I never wanted anyone to attack you, and I never encouraged my followers to do so. Still, I acknowledge that I could have been more mindful of how my words may have added to the situation.”
Drag Files ended the apology by pointing out that they recognize that “supporting one queen should never mean wishing harm or hate upon another.”
How have other queens responded?
World of Wonder
Art may be facing intense scrutiny and hate from the toxic continent of the Drag Race fandom, but her fellow queens have been showing their support.
After getting dragged into the drama herself, M1ss Jade wrote, “ART! IT HURTS ME TO SEE YOU LIKE THIS, WE LOVE YOUUU!””
Coco Jumbo, another Drag Race Down Under vs the World costar, commented, “THEY MEAN NOTHING!!!!!”
“We love you and think you’re really kewl. In the wise words of the late Dolly Parton, Storms make trees take deeper roots. So while it’s storming - enjoy a root,” wrote Drag Race Down Under season 1 star Karen from Finance.
Drag Race competitor Kerri Colby also commented with her support: “Remember Hunni YOU are the ARTIST they are just there to behold. Anyone taking world of drag and sending hate like this is so not well and not okay.”
Drag Race: UK vs. the World season 2 winner Tia Kofi turned out to show her support in the comments too. “I’m so sorry you’re dealing with this. It seems to be happening without fail every single season, particularly international ones and it is unacceptable,” she wrote.
Jane Don’t, who won Miss Congeniality on Drag Race season 18, commented, “You’re one of the best in the biz and this sucks ass. I know how impossible it can feel atm, but just know that once the season is done and you get to look back on it, you’ll see what a beautiful job you’ve done and how well you’ve represented for down under drag. You’re so so fab. adore you duhhh.”
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
