Actor and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star Shangela Accused of Sexual Assaults: Report

Shangela, who gained fame on the hit show 'RuPaul's Drag Race' is currently facing numerous allegations of sexual assault.

According to Rolling Stone, five people have come forward accusing Darius Jeremy "DJ" Pierce, known as 'Shangela' in the drag community, of sexual assault or attempting to engage in sexual activity with them while they were intoxicated.

Rolling Stone's report does not implicate RuPaul or the show.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' alum Shangela Faces Sexual Assault Accusations

A 27-year-old man named Helmer, one of the victims, shared that he first crossed paths with Shangela, 42, seven years ago while working at a bar in Los Angeles. Their connection continued as they later connected on social media.

According to Helmer, the situation took a negative turn during a dinner in 2017 when Shangela unexpectedly ordered a mojito for him. Helmer's account to the Los Angeles Police states that he found himself waking up unclothed on a bed and had no memory of what happened after consuming a cocktail.

According to a complaint Helmer filed with the LAPD, Shangela allegedly informed him about their sexual encounter and mentioned the involvement of another individual brought in by Helmer.

When Helmer inquired about the other man's identity, Shangela claimed to be unaware. "But you seemed quite enthusiastic about it," Shangela said to Helmer.

The actor's attorney, Andrew Brettler, dismissed Helmer's allegations as baseless and asserted that any sexual activity involving all three individuals was consensual.

According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, the report emerges five days after a lawsuit against Shangela was dismissed "with prejudice." The lawsuit had accused him of rape and gender violence by former Drag Race production assistant Daniel McGarrigle.

In 2018, Edward Ramirez recounted an incident where he claimed to have been forcefully pushed to the floor and subjected to an attempted penetration by Shangela. At just 21 years old, he...

"I'm absolutely certain that I made my 'no's' very clear." Ramirez stated to Rolling Stone that they were rejecting advances.

Despite facing challenges, he persevered. Brettler vehemently denied the accusation, asserting that there were three individuals who could confirm that Shangela and Ramirez were never left alone together on the evening in question.

All five individuals interviewed by Rolling Stone identify as queer and have either participated in drag shows or are avid spectators, as reported by the publication.

All of them also acknowledged their concerns about going public due to the prevailing negative sentiment towards drag shows in certain parts of the country.

Previous Allegation Against Shangela

A new revelation has emerged approximately 10 months after a production assistant named Daniel McGarrigle made allegations of rape against Shangela.

Shangela expressed his strong emotions regarding the allegations, stating that he felt hurt and disgusted. However, in February, he and McGarrigle were able to come to a settlement.

As of Monday, March 18, there has been no statement from the drag star on social media regarding Rolling Stone's recent report and the allegations associated with the entertainer.

Shangela recently shared a post about her attendance at the GLAAD awards. Shangela boasts an impressive social media presence, amassing a staggering 1.6 million followers on Instagram. The drag star was also chosen as one of the main performers for OUTLOUD Music Festival in June of 2023.