The Drag Race community has been stirred once again, this time by a flurry of criticism directed towards season seven finalist Pearl Liaison, known off the stage as Matthew James Lent. The controversy emerged when Pearl shared a series of now-deleted photos on her social media, showcasing herself in blackface. The images were accompanied by a hot-pink top, vibrant tie-dye shorts, and a caption that read, “Skipper’s all grown up now.”
The response from fellow Drag Race stars was swift and critical. The Vixen, a prominent figure from season 10, took to Twitter to express her deep disappointment, highlighting the pain such actions cause to marginalized communities. “When people carelessly play with blackface, the public outrage overshadows the private hurt that we go through. These daily reminders that this world isn’t safe, welcoming or sensitive to our feelings is overwhelming,” The Vixen wrote.
Silky Nutmeg Ganache, a queen from season 11, reposted the contentious photo with a pointed remark about the incident. She referenced a past exchange between Pearl and RuPaul during season seven filming, implying that this incident could have been avoided. Ganache’s comment alluded to the Drag Race judge’s assertion that “Nothing you say matters unless that camera is rolling.” Notably, Pearl has not been invited back for any subsequent All Stars season.
Pearl responded to the backlash with a statement on her Instagram story, clarifying her intentions and expressing regret. She explained that the character she portrayed was not meant to mimic any racial background but was rather an embodiment of her own creativity. She pledged to avoid using tanning elements in her character creations moving forward and removed the offending post.
However, the incident triggered a wave of disappointment and anger among fans across various social media platforms. Pearl’s actions have reignited conversations about cultural sensitivity and the responsibility that public figures bear in maintaining awareness and respect for the diverse backgrounds they represent.
This episode marks another instance where a Drag Race alum faces backlash for engaging in blackface. The incident underscores the ongoing need for heightened cultural understanding and respect within the entertainment industry, as well as the power of social media in holding public figures accountable for their actions.