RuPaul, 64, sparks outrage with ‘out of touch’ post just hours after the death of Drag Race star: ‘THIS is what you post?!’
RuPaul, 64, has sparked fury thanks to a social media post shared in the hours after the death of Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente.
Caliente died aged 44, just days after having their right leg amputated due to a severe infection.
The Filipino-American drag performer, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away on Sunday morning.
Their death has sparked controversy as fans criticised RuPaul for failing to personally acknowledge the tragedy on social media.
Instead, the Drag Race host posted a comedy skit on Instagram, which many followers have branded “out of touch” and disrespectful.
Taking to the comments of the skit on Instagram to express their disappointment with RuPaul’s apparent silence on Caliente’s death, one user commented: “Ru, I love you, but posting this before a statement about Jiggly is so out of touch.”
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Another wrote: “Literally, one of the biggest icons of the franchise just tragically died and this is what you post?!?!”
“Mama I love you but come on it’s time to recognize jiggly,” a third echoed before a fourth questioned: “Y haven’t you said anything yet? It’s weird…”
Some followers defended RuPaul, suggesting the comedy skit may have been pre-scheduled.
“Don’t rush Ru to talk about someone let people grieve. Ru always gives some sort of tribute give people time!” one fan commented. (sic)
Others noted that “posting on social media doesn’t define someone’s grief or their relationship to someone who passed”.
The official RuPaul’s Drag Race account did share a tribute, describing Caliente as a “cherished member of the Drag Race family”.
Caliente’s family announced their passing in a statement on Instagram, saying the performer died “peacefully” at 4:42am on Sunday, “surrounded by her loving family and close friends”.
Just days before Caliente’s death, the family had revealed the drag performer was hospitalised due to a “severe infection” which resulted in the amputation of “most of her right leg”.
“Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines,” the statement had said.
The family described Caliente as “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy” who was “celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity”.
Caliente first rose to fame on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, where they became a fan favourite for their vivacious personality.
Caliente later returned for All Stars season six in 2021 and was appointed a judge when Drag Race Philippines began airing in 2022.
Beyond the Drag Race franchise, Caliente portrayed Veronica Ferocity on FX’s hit series Pose, appearing in 12 episodes across its three-season run.
They also made appearances on TV sitcoms like Broad City and Search Party.
Fellow drag performers have paid tribute to Caliente following the news of their death.
Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared a photo on Instagram, writing: “My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved.”
Drag Race star Ginger Minj described Caliente as “one of the fiercest, funniest, most loyal friends I’ve ever had”.
Manila Luzon, another Filipina American drag star, said they were “heartbroken” to hear of Caliente’s passing, calling the performer their best friend of 25 years.
Drag Race Philippines judge Jervi Wrightson wrote: “I just lost my favourite seatmate. Drag Race Philippines will never be the same without you.”
Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York as a child and began working in drag about 20 years ago.
Caliente publicly came out as transgender in 2016, partly motivated by letters from fans struggling with their own gender identities.
“I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,” they said in a 2018 Billboard interview.