The glitz and glamour of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season six finale masked a surprising layer of conflict, as Scottish queen Chanel O’Conor revealed. The Untucked segment, which usually features backstage camaraderie, became a flashpoint of tension, though much of it never made it to air.
Chanel shared her experience on her YouTube channel, describing a reunion that was far from the celebratory tone typically expected on finale day. “We were sitting in our finale looks for over an hour, and things spiraled,” she recalled. “Six queens took the opportunity to confront me about past remarks, turning the event into something I’ll never forget—for all the wrong reasons.”
The emotionally charged moment, where Chanel faced criticism from her fellow queens, was ultimately cut from the broadcast. Reflecting on the intensity of the situation, Chanel admitted to feeling overwhelmed. “I burst into tears when the cameras stopped. It was just too much to handle at that point,” she said.
Despite the apologies that followed, Chanel’s account sheds light on the high-pressure dynamics of Drag Race competitions. While fans revel in the artistry and drama on screen, the behind-the-scenes reality often reveals the emotional toll contestants endure.
This candid revelation not only highlights the challenges of competing on a public stage but also underscores the supportive nature of the queer community, which often steps in to lift its members after such struggles. Chanel’s story is a poignant reminder of the need for empathy and understanding, particularly in spaces meant to celebrate LGBTQ artistry and expression.