RuPaul breaks silence on ‘gut-wrenching’ moment Pangina was booted from Drag Race UK vs The World
RuPaul. (YouTube/WOW)
RuPaul has shared his thoughts on the shock Drag Race UK vs The World elimination which saw fan-favourite Pangina Heals sashay away this week.
Viewers were left with a mix of emotions after what has turned out to be one of the most controversial eliminations in the reality series’ history.
Challenge winner Blu Hydrangea opted to give Pangina the boot, despite (or perhaps because of) the Thai queen being a frontrunner in the contest.
Pangina broke down in tears and apologised to her home country for failing to bring home the crown, and now RuPaul has admitted it was “gut-wrenching” to see.
Speaking on Friday’s (25 February) Graham Norton Show, the drag icon said: “I remember the crying. It was tragic.
“The girls have their hopes up real high. It is gut-wrenching when it happens – they have made it this far only to be slashed by one of their sisters.”
Pangina Heals. (BBC)
Drag Race UK vs The World has switched things up by using “All Stars” rules for the first time on UK soil. This means queens are forced to eliminate each other rather than RuPaul getting to make the final decision.
However, the twist has resulted in some “toxic” reactions within the fandom.
Blu Hydrangea was forced to speak out after being subjected to hurtful tweets from disgruntled viewers.
“I love being part of the Drag Race fandom, but recently I’ve really seen its darker side,” the UK queen tweeted on Thursday (24 February).
“Alongside all the love and funny comments has been disgusting and toxic messages which could cause serious damage. I’m lucky I’m thick skinned – but I shouldn’t have to be.”
The defiant reality star continued: “This is a television show. Take a step back and look at the world around us – there are so many things that need your energy other than fighting about a lipstick.”
I was heart broken but never angry. So be the best version of yourself and do not send hate to @BluHydrangea_ I won’t have ANY of it. Just because I did not get first place does not mean I do not feel like a winner. Because I do. No regrets. Also I am such an ugly crier
— Pangina Heals (@PanginaHeals) February 22, 2022
Pangina Heals – who is a judge on Drag Race Thailand – had previously urged fans not to send hate towards Blu after the elimination aired, tweeting: “Everyone please DO NOT direct any hate towards Blu Hydrangea. If you feel some kind of way just tip me.”
“This is a competition and people go home. It is normal and I feel like a winner getting eight news friends, showcasing myself and my culture and being on the best show in the world.”
This is a television show. Take a step back and look at the world around us – there are so many things that need your energy other than fighting about a lipstick. Trans kids are being threatened and Russia is literally invading Ukraine. Maybe start there.— Blu Hydrangea (@BluHydrangea_) February 24, 2022
Snatch Game took over the competition in this week’s episode, with a guest appearance from Katie Price, plus guest judges Clara Amfo and Michelle Keegan.
It provided some hilarious moments and, after a spellbinding runway, it was a battle of the Brits, with Baga Chipz and Blu Hydrangea lip-syncing for glory to Alexandra Burke.
In a jaw-dropping twist, challenge winner Blu Hydrangea sent Pangina Heals – two-time challenge winner and fan favourite – packing.
Speaking to PinkNews after the elimination, Pangina admitted to being left heartbroken by the shock elimination and recalled having a “full-on panic attack” in response.
