The internet rumor that took on a life of its own, involving pop star Meghan Trainor and Drag Race legend Shea Couleé, was finally laid to rest during the recent Streamy Awards ceremony. Dating back to Trainor’s appearance as a guest judge on the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2017, the rumor suggested that Trainor had eaten a drag queen’s sandwich. However, Shea Couleé, the very drag queen Trainor was rumored to have targeted, admitted to fabricating the story, bringing an end to the hilariously random hoax.
Couleé, who was co-emceeing the ceremony, took the opportunity to clear the air. “I don’t know if you’ve encountered this rumor…I made that rumor up. And I’m so sorry!” she confessed to Trainor, eliciting laughter from the audience. Trainor, visibly surprised, responded with amusement, “It was you!?” Couleé’s confession not only debunked the rumor but also showcased her knack for comedic timing.
In a conversation with Shea Couleé after the Streamys, the drag race legend shed light on the origins of the fabricated story. “When I made this silly joke at a show six years ago, I literally thought that everyone in the audience knew I was joking,” she revealed. The tale took an unexpected turn when Trainor responded to the rumor in an interview, expressing her confusion and denying any sandwich incident. Couleé’s revelation during the Streamy Awards allowed her to make amends, and Trainor, while surprised, accepted the apology with good humor.
In an age where internet memes can quickly take on a life of their own, “sandwichgate” stands as an example of how a simple jest can evolve into a widely accepted narrative. Couleé’s admission highlights the power of meme culture in shaping perceptions, even leading to unexpected interactions and clarifications between public figures. This incident also underscores the significance of LGBTQ representation at events like the Streamy Awards, where queer talents like Shea Couleé contribute to creating a more inclusive entertainment landscape.
As LGBTQ+ talents like Shea Couleé continue to break barriers and share their authentic selves on platforms like the Streamy Awards, they demonstrate the positive impact of visibility and representation in mainstream spaces. The “sandwichgate” saga serves as a reminder that even in the age of viral content, authenticity and accountability remain paramount. The power of memes to influence public narratives, while amusing, can also lead to unexpected real-world interactions, ultimately enriching the discourse around LGBTQ+ representation and the evolving nature of internet culture.