For a while now, RuPaul’s Drag Race fans had been noticing a series of show cancelations coming from Anetra. Some fans were getting upset, speculating that Anetra was being difficult and/or wasn’t letting her followers know in advance that she wouldn’t fulfill those tour dates. Alas, other fans were considering that clearly something was going on behind-the-scenes that Anetra just wasn’t ready to talk about yet.
Now, the Drag Race season 15 runner-up has finally broken her silence. She shared a Notes app letter via Instagram story that read:
“Hi all – I’m sorry to announce that I will not be touring with Klub Kids. This year has been very difficult for me in a lot of areas and there is a lot happening behind the scenes that I’m not ready to speak on at this time. I know this will disappoint a lot of people, but I am a human being and just need a moment to heal properly and return to you 100%.”
She continued:
“Please understand I love drag and wish I could be there with you all, but I have reached the point of necessity. This isn’t me quitting, just stepping away for a moment to give my body what it needs. Please understand and stop the hate messages. ‘If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell can you love somebody else?’”
Anetra signed the letter with her out-of-drag name, Isaiah, driving the point even further that he’s taking a break from drag to focus on himself.
The reasons behind Anetra’s canceled shows and break from drag are still unclear, and she’s clearly not ready to address them at this time. However, situations like these have happened to other Drag Race alumni in the past. Issues with management and/or touring companies are two of the most common problems that lead drag entertainers to cancel shows or even take a break from their careers. With that said, there have also been Drag Race stars who took breaks solely for mental health reasons due to personal circumstances happening in their lives.
We wish Anetra nothing but the best. We’ll be rooting for her to return when she’s ready and once again walk that f*cking duck like only she can do!