On Tuesday, RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season one contestant Etcetera Etcetera took to social media to inform fans of her decision to drop out of the upcoming Down Under tour.
In a statement across her social media platforms, Etcetera writes, “i believe drag artists should act in solidarity with marginalized communities and not stand by when a problematic artist continues to get cast for huge opportunities. "
"i don't believe someone who performed racist acts for years -even after being called out- should be given a paid spot at EVERY show on a national tour," Etcetera continued.
Toward the end of her post, she says that the reason behind her departure from the tour is "less about the individual and more about a multimillion dollar company continuing to put queer communities in harm's way and refusing to make the right decisions to create safe spaces for the community."
a note about the upcoming drdu tour. pic.twitter.com/XrRjRB2Dht
— etcetera ɐɹǝʇǝɔʇǝ (@glamourbug) August 17, 2022
While Etcetera never names the “problematic artist” in question is, many fans speculate she is referring to Scarlet Adams and her inclusion in the tour.
During season one of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under, it was revealed that Adams not only performed in blackface but in a burqa, Aboriginal dress.
When Mama Ru caught wind of the revelations she asked Adams to address her actions on the runway.
“I regret the fact that I used my platform as a performer to ridicule people who’ve faced systematic racism for hundreds of years. “I’m so ashamed of the person that I once was. I’m really sorry to you and to everyone that I have hurt.”
“To know that something I have done has hurt other people feels awful," Scarlet added.
“I’m sure there are people who would want me to cancel you, right here right now,” RuPaul replied. “But I'd rather this be a lesson in humility and accountability. I pray all of us can learn and grow from our mistakes.”
The response left many fans feeling RuPaul gave Adams a slap on the wrist and felt there should have been consequences for her actions.
However, this wasn’t the last time a Down Under queen would be confronted with their past.
After Scarlet Adams issued an written apology to Drag Race fans, another Down Under queen was called out.
Karen From Finance took to Instagram to explain and apologize after several noted her tattoo of a golliwog doll.
The ‘golliwog’ is an anti-Black, racist caricature from the 1800's and was largely based on characters from racist minstrel shows.
According to the Voss Events homepage, it doesn't appear that Karen will be participating in the tour as there are no promo images feauring the queen.
The tour begins in September and travel to various cities in Australia. Additionally, it will feature 18 queens across seasons one and two of Down Under.
Do you think Etcetera’s departure is justified or is Scarlet and Karen’s “past in the past?” Let us know your thoughts on the situation in the comments below!
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