Lexi Love has shared a sweet interaction with Michelle Visage pre-transition (World of Wonder)
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Lexi Love has revealed that she was a victim of human trafficking.
The season 17 finalist, who opened up about her HIV status last month, shared her story in an emotional moment on the show.
Being interviewed by former contestant and fan favourite Latrice Royale, as part of an audition for the Las Vegas show RuPaul’s Drag Race Live, the contestants had to take part in a photoshoot, a group musical dance number and a promo video.
Following this Suzie Toot (controversially) sashayed away, leaving Lexi to fight it out with Onya Nurve, Jewels Sparkles and Sam Star for the crown.
“I was a homeless drug addict”, Lexi revealed during her interview. “So, I am, like RuPaul said, a survivor. I’ve survived a human trafficking incident.”
“I was at a hotel party with friends. We were all under the influence of a lot of substances,” she continued.
But later, the queen, whose real name is Lexi Barnes, “woke up handcuffed to a bed and stayed there for 48 hours”.
She went on to say: “I’ve survived so many f***** up things in life that I’m prepared for anything you throw at me. I might cry but I am prepared to handle anything.”
Reacting on X/Twitter to the revelations, one person wrote: “Lexi love might be one of the strongest people to have been on Drag Race, holy sh*t human trafficking.”
And on Threads, someone else said: “Lexi Love deserves the world. Surviving human trafficking is something so few people can say.”
This week’s final will be marked by the appearance of queer fans’ favourite, actor Liza Minnelli. The Cabaret star will be seen receiving the Giving Us lifetime achievement award from RuPaul.
RuPaul’s Drag Race airs on Friday (18 April) on MTV in the US and WOW Presents Plus internationally.
If you need help or have been upset by the issues raised here, call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123. You can also email [email protected].
