Drag Race star Pearl issues statement after blackface controversy
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Pearl has addressed a controversial photo she shared (and has since deleted) that shows her as a character with darkened skin.
Content warning: This story includes topics that could make some readers feel uncomfortable and/or upset. “The character I posted this morning was not meant to resemble any other background other than my own,” Pearl explained in an Instagram story on 10 August. “She’s platinum blonde/blue eyes & meant to have 2000’s britney-esque tan. “I certainly didn’t mean to hurt anyone and will refrain from using any kind of tan at all when creating characters in the future.
i’ve removed the post as to not continue to offend people.” The pictures drew instant backlash from both social media users and fellow Drag Race alumni, with queens such as Mayhem Miller and Silky Nutmeg Ganache among those questioning why Pearl chose to tan her skin for the character. “When people carelessly play with blackface and using slurs etc I think the public outrage overshadows the private hurt that we go through.
These daily reminders that this world isn’t safe, welcoming or sensitive to our feelings is overwhelming,” The Vixen, who competed on season nine of the show, wrote on social media. “White people paint their skin the shade of people who have to defend their skin shade and their surprised they have to defend their choice,” she added.
