“An external investigation into this embittered individual’s claims previously concluded that they were completely without merit. They are personally offensive and perpetuate damaging stereotypes that are harmful not only to me but also to my entire community,” he said.

“I can’t begin to explain how hurt and disgusted I am by these totally untrue allegations. Through his lawyer, Pierce declined to answer questions but issued a statement strongly denying the accusations.

According to the suit, McGarrigle screamed “No” and tried to fight off Pierce but was overpowered, with Pierce allegedly telling McGarrigle, “I know you want it, and you’re going to take it.” The suit, which also names “We’re Here” production company Buckingham Television, alleges sexual assault, gender violence, false imprisonment and sexual harassment. McGarrigle awoke, the suit says, with his pants pulled down and with Pierce attempting to penetrate him. McGarrigle’s lawsuit describes an alleged post-party scene in which an inebriated McGarrigle fell asleep fully clothed in Pierce’s hotel room. Thank you for your support.Įxplore more Subscriber Exclusive content.įormer “We’re Here” production assistant Daniel McGarrigle filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court alleging that Darius Jeremy (DJ) Pierce, the actor who performs drag under the name Shangela, raped McGarrigle in a Louisiana hotel room following a 2020 crew party. Times subscribers special access to our best journalism. Subscribers get exclusive access to this story The creators behind “We’re Here” have long worked hard to fashion the series as an optimistic, loving rebuke to hate and prejudice, but now the show faces condemnation from an entirely different place: from within.

The series has been a beacon of light during an extremely fractious time in America: In March, Tennessee, perpetuating falsehoods about drag queens as threats to children, became the first state to restrict drag shows in public spaces or anywhere minors might be present. The series has earned a Peabody Award nomination, won two Emmys and later this month is up for another GLAAD Media Award for outstanding reality program. Sweet, funny and empowering, the show follows the queens as they connect with LGBTQ+ people who haven’t had many opportunities to be out and proud. The HBO Max reality series “We’re Here” stars three well-known drag queens - former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestants Bob the Drag Queen, Eureka O’Hara and Shangela - as they traverse small-town America and recruit locals to participate in one-night-only drag shows.

Second Time Around by Gay Ingram