RuPaul slammed for 'out of touch' post after Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente's death
Fans have been left divided over RuPaul having seemingly not publicly addressed the death of former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Jiggly Caliente. Some fans have criticised the TV host for instead posting a skit on social media.
It was announced yesterday that Jiggly - whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo - had died earlier that morning, aged 44. The news came after the late drag artist's family had shared on social media just days earlier that she had her leg amputated recently due to a "serious infection". Tributes have since been paid to Jiggly - who rose to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012 - before returning for All Stars nine years later.
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has been among those paying tribute to the late TV star, who had herself been a judge on Drag Race Philippines since 2022.
The official RuPaul's Drag Race page on Instagram also remembered Jiggly yesterday, saying that she's a "cherished member" of its family. It's understood that RuPaul hasn't yet posted about Jiggly's death on his personal page though.
Earlier today though, a skit was shared on the page. In the sketch, RuPaul appears to lip sync: "Tell me if this is normal?" The Drag Race host then mimics cracking his neck as a sound resembling a fart plays out in the audio of the scene. The video concludes with RuPaul pretending to cry.
Fans reacted to the post in the comments section today. One person wrote: "Ru, I love you, but posting this before a statement about Jiggly is so out of touch." Another said in their response: "I love you Ru, but you posted this before saying anything about Jiggly? She was one of your own."
A third follower wrote in their comment: "Hey so this is actually insane to post when one of the queens that made your show just died. Say something. Show some god damn respect."
Sharing their thoughts, someone else said on the platform: "Y haven't you said anything yet? It's weird..." Another fan wrote earlier: "Literally, one of the biggest icons of the franchise just tragically died and this is what you post?!?!"
Others suggested that the post may have been scheduled in advance. One fan said: "I almost feel like these posts have to be pre-scheduled because there hasn't been any mention of Jiggly." Another speculated: "This was most likely a scheduled post. I highly doubt she just filmed this. Give Ru the benefit of the doubt, y'all."
Whilst others have defended RuPaul. One person said: "Don't rush Ru to talk about someone let people grieve. Ru always gives some sort of tribute give people time! For now just laugh if you can that's what Jiggly would have wanted."
Another wrote: "I understand why people are emotional right now, but I also think it's important to remember that posting on social media doesn't define someone's grief or their relationship to someone who passed. People have gotten so conditioned to expect public displays for private emotions, but true mourning doesn't have to be performative."
They added: "RuPaul may choose to honour Jiggly in his own way, privately, and that doesn't make it any less real or meaningful. Sometimes the demand for a post says more about our need for closure or optics than it does about the people who are actually grieving. Everyone processes loss differently, and I don't think it's fair to judge someone's care based on what they do or don't post."
It had been announced last week that Jiggly had been hospitalised due to a "severe infection" before having her right leg amputated. Her family suggested in a statement at the time that she was recovering from the experience.
Her family said in a statement then: "The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback. Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.
"Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive."
They concluded: "At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together. While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her friends, fans, and community to uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels. Bianca's family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers."
It was then announced over the weekend that Jiggly had died. Her family said: "It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.
"A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world."
They concluded: "Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered. In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arabejo (Jiggly Caliente) November 29, 1980 - April 27, 2025."
The news was met with an outpouring of tributes. The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race - which, alongside being the host, RuPaul has been an executive producer of - paid tribute on Instagram alongside other colleagues.
Beside a photo of Jiggly, she was described as a "cherished" member of the Drag Race family. The caption read: "We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay - always. We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time."
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