Controversial Drag Race winner Tyra Sanchez says they're suing RuPaul for ‘emotional distress’

Tyra Sanchez, the controversial winner of the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has announced plans to sue RuPaul, Michelle Visage and production company World of Wonder, alleging “intentional infliction of emotional distress” and a decade-long campaign to damage their reputation.

In a detailed statement shared on social media, Sanchez claimed that the defendants acted “in concert” to discredit and ostracise them from the entertainment industry. The draft claim accuses RuPaul and Visage of defamation, “false light” portrayals and deliberate interference with Sanchez’s career, alleging a “systemic and malicious campaign” that incited harassment and public ridicule. Sanchez wrote that for over a decade, those involved had acted with “reckless disregard for the truth”, destroying their reputation and causing severe emotional harm.

The statement highlights several incidents that Sanchez believes contributed to this alleged campaign. One example is Michelle Visage’s remarks during a Season 3 promotion, where she reportedly said she “would have fought really hard” for runner-up Raven to win Season 2. Sanchez argues this fuelled a damaging narrative that their victory was undeserved, leading to years of online abuse and professional blackballing. Another incident cited is the DragCon controversy in 2018, when Sanchez tweeted: “Fair warning: DO NOT attend RuPaul’s DragCon on May 12, 2018.”

They allege that World of Wonder filed a false police report claiming Sanchez threatened to “blow up DragCon”, prompting an LAPD investigation and widespread media coverage. Sanchez says this resulted in humiliation, death threats and even FBI scrutiny. The claim also references a viral clip from an acting challenge where RuPaul slapped Sanchez, which was reposted on social media last year after Sanchez made controversial remarks about fellow queen The Vivienne’s death. Sanchez argues this was a calculated provocation designed to reignite public hostility.

The draft claim seeks compensatory and punitive damages, as well as declaratory relief acknowledging wrongdoing. However, no formal lawsuit has yet been filed. Sanchez says they shared the draft publicly “before blogs attempt to paint me how they see fit”. RuPaul, Visage and World of Wonder have not responded to requests for comment.

Sanchez, now 37, has been a divisive figure since their 2010 win. They were banned from DragCon in 2018 following the threat controversy and have faced multiple arrests, including for graffiti and allegedly assaulting a police officer. In 2025, they drew criticism for remarks about The Vivienne’s passing.