Los Angeles, California: Shangela, best known for appearing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, is facing serious allegations of sexual assault and coercion by five members of the LGBTQ community. These accusations come in the wake of a previous settlement in February related to a rape case allegedly occurring on the set of an HBO series. The accusers shared their stories in a recent Rolling Stone article, detailing instances where Shangela, whose real name is Darius Jeremy Pierce, is accused of assaulting individuals or rendering them unable to give consent through intoxication.
The accusers’ accounts echo similarities, with many involving Pierce providing alcohol to young men aged between 18 and 23 at the time of the alleged incidents. Reports indicate that multiple individuals woke up in Pierce’s bed feeling disoriented and in a state of confusion, with some mentioning the presence of a third person in the room. One accuser, Helmer, has taken legal action by filing a police report in Los Angeles relating to an alleged assault that took place in 2017. Another accuser, Edward Ramirez, claimed Pierce attempted to assault him in 2018, an accusation vehemently denied by Pierce’s attorney.
Despite the denials, the allegations against Pierce continue, with Zein Checri recounting an incident in London where he found himself in Pierce’s bed after consuming drinks provided by the drag performer. Another accuser, Zachary, detailed a disturbing encounter in New Orleans where he blacked out after drinking with Pierce and woke up to a troubling scene. Pierce has denied ever encountering RoyLee Soliz, a fifth accuser who claims an inappropriate incident occurred in 2012.
These accusations have not only shed light on individual experiences of assault but have also raised concerns within the drag community, which has seen increased mainstream visibility through shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Drag events, such as brunches and story hours, have faced opposition from right-wing groups, providing a complex backdrop to these allegations. The accusers’ courage in coming forward reflects a growing conversation around consent, accountability, and safety within the LGBTQ community, sparking important dialogue and potentially shifting norms within the drag scene.