Photo: Randy Shropshire/Getty Images
Darius Jeremy “DJ” Pierce, better known asRuPaul’s Drag RacestarShangela, is speaking out after he was accused of raping a former production assistant, who appeared alongside the performer on HBO’sWe’re Here.
“As a hardworking and outspoken drag entertainer for more than a decade, I know that I am far from alone in battling ignorance, bigotry and prejudice, all of which played a role in the filing of this complaint. That is why I will fight this entirely meritless lawsuit and not allow it to destroy me and those I love, or harm the causes we all stand for,” Pierce added.
According to the docs, McGarrigle claimed that Pierce raped him while season one of HBO’s reality seriesWe’re Herewas in production in 2020. While the cast and crew celebrated the first season’s wrap, McGarrigle claimed Pierce was “heavily flirtatious” with him and “insisted on buying him drinks,” despite being informed that McGarrigle “did not drink often.”
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“Sick and exhausted, McGarrigle agreed. He laid down in Pierce’s bed fully clothed, shoes and socks still on,” the suit reads.
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Per the documents, McGarrigle claimed he failed to immediately report the sexual assault because he was “fearful of losing his job.” He instead “tried to maintain a cordial relationship” with his boss, despite having to frequently deal with Pierce’s alleged “inappropriate” behaviors.
“McGarrigle suffered, and will continue to suffer, economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity and general damages, including, but not limited to, emotional distress and mental suffering,” the lawsuit argues.
From left: Bob the Drag Queen (aka Christopher Caldwell), Shangela (aka Darius Jeremy Pierce), Eureka O’Hara (aka David Huggard) in We’re Here.Khun Minn Ohn / HBO / Everett
Pierce is best known for competing in seasons 2 and 3 ofRuPaul’s Drag Race. He later appeared on the third season ofRuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
He also starred on three seasons of the acclaimed seriesWe’re Here, which also features fellowDrag RacealumBob the Drag QueenandEureka O’Hara.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
