Skip to main content

Home Culture Culture Film & TV

30 March 2021

Michelle Visage responds as RPDR’s Utica apologises for body-shaming jokes

"I don’t want to perpetuate any body negativity"

By Jamie Tabberer

Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Twitter/WoW 

Utica Queen has said she is sorry for making body-shaming jokes on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

During the most recent episode, she was heard making comments about various people’s weight (as well as insulting RuPaul’s dress sense, resulting in an obscene hand gesture).

The contestant, who sashayed away in last week’s episode after she bombed during the comedy roast challenge, singled out judges Michelle Visage and Loni Love, plus special guest Nina West for apologies.

“The jokes were in bad taste”

On Twitter, Utica said: “I want to apologize my performance in this ep of DR. Especially to @LoniLove, @michellevisage and @NinaWest.

“The jokes were in bad taste and my attempt at roast humor was for the lack of better words, horrible.

“Making fun of people’s size is not okay. I’m truly sorry.”

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝑼𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂 (@queenutica)


On Instagram she added: “Have the balls to grow. This EP of RPDR was uncomfortable. I apologize to those who were offended by my crude jokes.

“I feel saddened that themes of body shaming are still prevalent in today’s TV, and I don’t want to perpetuate any body negativity with tasteless jokes. Nothing was done with cruel intentions. Love each other and your bodies in every shape and size.”

Nina has since responded online, saying: “Babe!!! It is a roast, and we were all in on it and fully aware it was a roast. Give yourself a little grace.”

Meanwhile, Loni said: “You are fabulous Utica… it’s a roast so no offense was taken… I really enjoy watching you this season!!”

Michelle Visage responded saying: “Utica, you do not need to apologize to me love, it didn’t offend me, the point was just this: if you were gonna go for it, it had to be funny! Honestly, don’t beat yourself up! Love you.”

In This Article: