Drag Race darling Blu Hydrangea addresses ‘disgusting, toxic’ response to Pangina Heals elimination
Blu Hydrangea. (BBC)
Blu Hydrangea has slammed the show’s fans for sending hateful messages in response to Pangina Heals’ shock elimination from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World.
The Drag Race darling was forced to speak out on social media in response to a slew of “disgusting and toxic” comments being made by fans as they reacted to the latest twist in the popular reality series.
“I love being part of the Drag Race fandom, but recently I’ve really seen its darker side,” the UK queen tweeted on Thursday (24 February). “Alongside all the love and funny comments has been disgusting and toxic messages which could cause serious damage. I’m lucky I’m thick skinned – but I shouldn’t have to be.”
The defiant reality star continued: “This is a television show. Take a step back and look at the world around us – there are so many things that need your energy other than fighting about a lipstick.
This is a television show. Take a step back and look at the world around us – there are so many things that need your energy other than fighting about a lipstick. Trans kids are being threatened and Russia is literally invading Ukraine. Maybe start there.
— Blu Hydrangea (@BluHydrangea_) February 24, 2022
“Trans kids are being threatened and Russia is literally invading Ukraine. Maybe start there.”
Fans were quick to respond with messages of support as they urged the UK queen to ignore the “bullying” and praised Blu Hydrangea for being a constant inspiration for others.
One fan: “I’m so sorry you’re having to deal with this, at the end of the day it’s a TV show and you are a real person with real feelings. I wish people would realise that at the end of the day, you are all friends off camera and care for each other. Take care of your mental health Blu!”
“It’s bullying and it’s disgusting! No one deserve this and it breaks my heart every time,” another added. “I’m just glad that you can brush it off, but I’m still sending you tons of hugs, love and support.”
Another fan tweeted: “I am sorry that we live in a world where it’s easier to spew hate over love. Where we bring each other down instead of lift each other up. You don’t deserve any of this. Sending you my love and support. ?❤️ you will always have a fan in me.”
Indeed, Pangina – who is a judge of Drag Race Thailand – had previously urged fans not to send hate towards Blu after the elimination aired, tweeting: “Everyone please DO NOT direct any hate towards Blu Hydrangea. If you feel some kind of way just tip me.
Just remember how much you empowered others by talking about gender earlier in the series. Don't even think about the other comments. We're still with you— Rachel Charlton-Dailey (@RachelCDailey) February 24, 2022
I am sorry that we live in a world where it’s easier to spew hate over love. Where we bring each other down instead of lift each other up. You don’t deserve any of this. Sending you my love and support. ?❤️ you will always have a fan in me.— Dr. Rich Minuski (ChiroNurse) ? (@RMinuski) February 24, 2022
I hope you're doing okay! Nobody should have to deal with this kind of abuse.
If people have an issue with the format of the show then they should politely take it up with the producers…— leftist lawyer (@leftistlawyer) February 24, 2022
Absolutely this, so sorry for the hate you and other queens have been receiving. You’ve all made amazing TV! Sending love ??
— Laura (@laurafrancesh19) February 24, 2022
Everyone please DONOT direct any hate towards @BluHydrangea_ if you feel some kind of way just tip me. This is a competition and ppl go home. It is normal and I feel like a winner getting 8 news friends, showcasing myself and my culture and being on the best show in the world.— Pangina Heals (@PanginaHeals) February 22, 2022
“This is a competition and people go home. It is normal and I feel like a winner getting eight news friends, showcasing myself and my culture and being on the best show in the world.”
Snatch Game took over the competition in this week’s episode, with a guest appearance from Katie Price, plus guest judges Clara Amfo and Michelle Keegan.
It provided some hilarious moments and, after a spellbinding runway, it was a battle of the Brits, with Baga Chipz and Blu Hydrangea lip-syncing for glory to Alexandra Burke.
In a jaw-dropping twist, challenge winner Blu Hydrangea sent Pangina Heals – two-time challenge winner and fan favourite – packing.
Speaking to PinkNews after the elimination, Pangina admitted to being left heartbroken by the shock elimination and recalled having a “full-on panic attack” in response.
