RuPaul’s Drag Race has become a global phenomenon in just a few years. The reality TV show spawned several spinoff series around the world in places such as Thailand, the UK and Latin America. RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under is the latest international take on the Emmy-winning original, and brings together queens from Australia and New Zealand in search of their next drag superstar.

“ RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under ” is a search for the next drag superstar in Australia and New Zealand

It was only a matter of time before RuPaul’s Drag Race went Down Under, and the queens lineup handles the gambit from comedy queens to fashion queens and everything in between.

The show is not hosted by the former Australian Drag race challenging Courtney Act, similar to how RuPaul’s Drag Race the candidate has been selected to host Canada Drag Race. Instead, RuPaul and Michelle Visage have gone down on their own and, with the help of Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson, are on the hunt for Down Under’s next drag superstar.

However, after the casting was announced, two queens in particular came under fire for offensive performances they’ve given in the past and other things they’ve been involved in.

Scarlet Adams performed in blackface

Felicia Foxx, an Aboriginal drag queen based in Perth, shared several photos of Drag Race Down Under contestant Scarlet Adams on social media after being announced as a cast member on the show. Adams wears many offensive looks, including a Native American headdress, burqa, and several black-faced photos.

Adams responded with her own social media posts acknowledging what she did and apologizing for her actions. She also revealed that she works hard to figure out how to be a better ally for people of color.

“It happened and I won’t try to deny it,” she said honestly. “I was ignorant, I was young and so stupid.”

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Karen From Finance had a collection of racist tattoos and dolls

Karen From Finance, another queen of the season, has been criticized for having a collection of golliwog dolls – and having one of those racist dolls tattooed on her body. Her collection of tattoos and dolls was featured in a 2015 article for Things & Ink.

Karen apologized on Instagram in February 2021 and explained that her collection started at the age of 2, which ultimately led to the tattoo. “I realized how irresponsible and stupid I had been so I threw the dolls in the landfill and had my tattoo covered,” she admitted.

“Since then, I have embarked on a continuous journey of responsibility, activism and education, and to discover and unlearn any racial prejudice – conscious or unconscious – that may or may not be ingrained in me,” he said. she continued.

She finished her post: “I can’t change the past, but I can and will work on the present and do better in the future, and with that you always have my word.”