Drag Race star Stacy Layne Matthews living in her car after being told to leave family home
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Stacy Layne Matthews has revealed she is currently living in her car after her mother told her she was “not welcome” at home, prompting an outpouring of concern and support from fans.
Matthews - a fan favourite from Drag Race Season 3 and widely credited with popularising the catchphrase “henny” - disclosed the crisis in an emotional Instagram video posted on 31 March. In it, she explained she had been forced to leave her mother’s house with no plan for where she would stay. “I’m just going to grab some stuff and hit it… I don’t know where I’m going,” she told viewers, adding that she would be sleeping in her car if she couldn’t secure emergency accommodation.
The performer has faced long‑term housing and health insecurity, and said she has applied for disability benefits but is still waiting for approval. While she waits, Matthews has been trying to support herself by selling digital artwork, signed photos, and accepting donations via Venmo, Cash App and PayPal. “I’m just trying to get my health in order so I can start back working,” she told followers earlier in the week.
Matthews’ struggles have been ongoing for several years. In 2024, she was forced to cancel a performance after suffering complications from spinal stenosis - a condition that compresses the spinal cord and nerves - and in 2022, she publicly shared challenges with both mental and physical health. At that time, she also faced potential eviction following the end of the US federal COVID‑19 eviction moratorium, which left millions vulnerable to losing their homes.
Her most recent plea for help has once again highlighted the precarious circumstances faced by many drag artists, even those with global recognition. Despite her television legacy and memorable Snatch Game win for her impersonation of Mo’Nique, Matthews has repeatedly said that fame has not translated into financial stability.
Fans and fellow performers have responded with an outpouring of support online, sharing resources and urging others to donate where possible. As of now, Matthews has not announced any long‑term housing solution but encouraged supporters to “stay tuned” as she works to find a safe place to stay.
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