‘Apologies were necessary’: Michelle Visage addresses Drag Race Down Under star’s unearthed blackface and racial appropriation photos

RuPaul’s Drag Race royalty Michelle Visage has addressed the blackface controversy that has recently rocked the upcoming Down Under series, saying ‘apologies were necessary’.

Down Under star Scarlet Adams, who is part of the first-ever line-up of the Australian and New Zealand spin-off, was called out last month for wearing blackface, brownface and mocking multiple ethnicities in her old routines in old, unearthed photos.

Scarlet vowed to improve in a public apology and also stated she was ‘deeply ashamed’ by her mistakes.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk ahead of the Down Under launch, Michelle said she wasn’t aware of the old photos.

‘I know they apologised and that’s it,’ she told us. ‘I say this to my own children, you have to think about why you do things and what you do, and I think it’s important for people to take responsibility.

‘So I think that apologies were made, apologies were necessary.’

Michelle also highlighted the importance of thinking before doing and that things can come back to bite you in the bum later down the line.

‘Even if it’s a job interview later on, trust me when I tell you that every employer does what they can do to dig stuff up on you. Whether it works or not, one person just has to drop that little gem they’ve been holding onto.

‘Everything could be taken away from you.’

She added: ‘Everyone needs to be held responsible.’

Scarlet initially spoke out about the photos in a statement on Facebook in June 2020, and has since updated the message with a ‘2021’ segment.

‘In recent days I have heard stories repeated about my past; rumours that I would like the opportunity to address directly and honestly,’ she penned.

‘Despite this being a story I am deeply ashamed of, and something I had tried to forget. I’ve come to realise in recent years that taking responsibility and admitting my mistakes is an important learning experience, and something that has helped shape me as a performer, and mature as a person. 

‘There is no way to sugar-coat it, when I was a teenager roughly eight years ago I performed in blackface/cultural appropriation. I was young and I was ignorant. I am no longer that person.’

Drag Race Down Under is set to welcome 10 Aussie and Kiwi queens as they compete for the title of Down Under’s first-ever Drag Superstar, with the cast including Australia’s reigning Drag Performer of the Year and a First Nation Indigenous drag queen.

Joining Michelle and RuPaul on the judging panel will be none other than Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson, who will bring his signature serving of wit and style to the most fabulous reality show in herstory.

‘I haven’t seen the whole thing yet so I’m excited to watch it with you,’ Michelle enthused.

‘I think the world is going to freak out.’

RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under begins Sunday May 2 and 9am on BBC iPlayer.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.