Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield has died at age 51.
The season one Australian drag queen’s death was announced in a social post by Universal Sydney, one of the city’s premier LGBTQ+ nightclubs, where Maxi regularly performed.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of our beloved Maxi Shield’s passing,” the post reads.
Alongside a photo of Maxi was a caption written by the venue’s licensee, Dillon Shaw, that called her an "iconic presence” and pointed out how much she will be missed by the drag community.
“Maxi was a big personality with a heart of gold,” it reads. “I’m heartbroken that the world won’t get to see this legend light up a stage again, and that I won’t get to share another giggle over lunch with my friend. Her love, her humour, and her impact live on through the incredible Sydney talent she directly influenced, and through the scene she helped shape with such passion.”
Maxi’s death comes after she announced that she had been diagnosed with throat cancer last September.
Drag Race Down Under head judge Michelle Visage paid tribute to Maxi on Instagram with a photo of the pair together, captioned, "I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed…. @maxishield rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind."
The Drag Race Down Under production company also posted about Maxi’s legacy after her passing. "We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kristopher Elliot AKA Maxi Shield," the company wrote. "A part of our Down Under legacy, her electrifying presence on and off the stage will inspire us forever, and our deepest condolences go out to her friends and family. RIP, we love you Maxi."
Cynthia Lee Fontaine, a Drag Race superstar and cancer survivor, also took to social media to pay tribute and talk about the way the two drag queens had supported each other. "After, [there] was not a single day you never forget to message me and keep me motivated with funny stories and videos on my DM’s," Cynthia wrote. "Then last Year it was my turn to support you . But now my Beautiful sister , you are not in pain anymore… I will always love you and for me you are a warrior!!! Please join Our sisters … Shante you stay in my heart for ever."
