‘Drag Race’ icon Victoria “PorkChop” Parker hospitalised after medical emergency triggered by burger

Victoria “PorkChop” Parker, the first-ever queen eliminated from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been hospitalised after a severe medical emergency reportedly triggered by eating a burger purchased from a major grocery chain. The incident, confirmed by her team and shared via Drag Race producers World of Wonder, has prompted an outpouring of support from fans and fellow performers.

According to a handwritten note posted by World of Wonder, PorkChop fell suddenly and violently ill shortly after eating the burger, suffering intense vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration for 72 hours before emergency services were called. She was transported to hospital by ambulance and remained there for a week while doctors attempted to stabilise her condition.

During her hospital stay, medical staff diagnosed multiple serious conditions linked to the infection and dehydration, including atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, hyponatraemia caused by an intestinal infection, and hypertension. PorkChop later confirmed these diagnoses herself in an update on her GoFundMe page, adding that she had received antibiotics, undergone dozens of tests and begun physical therapy while bed-bound. 

The Drag Race legend, who is 56, has now been discharged but remains on strict bed rest for 14–21 days, supported by a visiting nurse and physical therapy to help her regain mobility. She revealed that she is “slowly relearning how to walk” and is expected to make a full recovery, though the journey ahead will be challenging.

World of Wonder has encouraged fans to support PorkChop through a fundraiser aiming to help with her ongoing care needs, including a mobility scooter to aid her independence during recovery. As of the most recent updates, the campaign has raised more than $4,200, with notable donations from Drag Race stars including Bianca Del Rio and DD Fuego. 

PorkChop, a beloved fixture of Drag Race lore since her season one appearance in 2009, has remained a fan favourite over the years, appearing in later franchise episodes and inspiring the iconic “PorkChop Loading Dock” twist in season 13.