RuPaul Under Fire for What Critics Call ‘Dystopian Rave’

Recently, RuPaul, host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been under fire for using images of oil fracking on his DJ set. RuPaul was DJing in Montreal, Canada earlier this month, on September 13, when people attending the show reported seeing visuals of oil exploration, otherwise known as “fracking,” during the DJ set.

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So what is fracking? Fracking is a way to get “natural” gas out of the earth. This process can release massive amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The process has been controversial in the U.S. for some time.

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Within the next few days following the set, videos of the concert went viral on TikTok showing a fracking site behind the DJ set on a screen. Viewers were shocked and left comments critiquing the visuals as “dystopian,” while some said, “All I can do is laugh at the audacity.” Some even accuse the drag queen of being a “super villain” with this aesthetic.

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On the other hand, fans were quick to defend the Drag superstar by saying, “He’s just making fun of the fact that people assume he’s a fracker because of his husband’s family business.” Others speculated that he could be making a point about fracking and evoking dark and dystopian imagery on purpose.

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Environmentalists and activists have been critiquing the artist since 2020, specifically for leasing minerals and selling water to oil companies. Many fans are upset by his alleged involvement and disagree with the many effects fracking has on the environment, including water pollution, fossil fuel release, and earthquakes. The drag queen and reality TV star is a queer icon and a role model for many people in the queer community, and now, many are starting to wonder where her heart really lies.

Do you think RuPaul deserves the heat?