Etcetera Etcetera Pulls Out Of ‘Drag Race Down Under’ Tour Over “Problematic Artist”
"I don't believe someone who performed racist acts for years - even after being called out - should be given a paid spot at EVERY show on a national tour."
Etcetera Etcetera has pulled out of the upcoming RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Australia and New Zealand tour on Wednesday.
The Australian drag queen shared a statement on Twitter, after Scarlet Adams was featured as a headliner on the upcoming string of events.
“I believe drag artists should act in solidarity with marginalised communities, and not stand by when a problematic artist continues to get cast for huge opportunities,” she said, acknowledging that the decision was made after in-depth conversation and consultation with community and artists of colour. “I don’t believe someone who performed racist acts for years — even after being called out — should be given a paid spot at EVERY show on a national tour.”
a note about the upcoming drdu tour. pic.twitter.com/XrRjRB2Dht
— etcetera ɐɹǝʇǝɔʇǝ (@glamourbug) August 17, 2022
The tour is taking place in September and October, featuring 18 queens, including Season 1 winner Kita Mean, fan favourite Coco Jumbo, and runner-ups Art Simone, and Scarlet Adams — the latter having been eliminated in Episode 8.
During the first season of the reality show, Adams was called out by Etcetera Etcetera for cultural appropriation — including past looks wearing a burqa, a Native headdress, and blackface Indigenous caricature.
“At this point, it’s less about the individual — and more about a multimillion-dollar company continuing to put queer communities in harm’s way, and refusing to make the right decisions to create safe spaces for the community,” said Etcetera Etcetera on Wednesday. “I apologise to anyone who was looking forward to seeing me on the tour — I couldn’t do this with a clear conscience.”
Comments under her statement questioned how long Adams would be punished for after apologising, with many quick to point out the importance of consequence after action, and a lack of remorse or meaningful change after the fact.
Nobody, no matter how talented they may be, is entitled to gigs and opportunities after causing immeasurable harm. Even after apologising.
Nobody NEEDS to be a drag queen, there are plenty of other ways you can make a living. That’s all x— #1 Kr*stina K*nneally Hater (@soursgettis) August 17, 2022
Attention has also been turned onto Voss Events, the promoter behind the tour, for including and profiting off Adams despite the backlash.
The second season of Drag Race Down Under is currently streaming.
Junkee reached out to Voss Events for comment.