Drag Race Canada judge Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman has exited Twitter following a hailstorm of harassment by fans of the series.
Viewers of Drag Race Canada have voiced their unrestrained criticism of Bowyer-Chapman’s judging style since the show premiered in July. A fan petition to have Bowyer-Chapman fired from his position has gathered more than 2,000 signatures. Bowyer-Chapman has invited criticism over several comments he made to contestants on the show, including once comment perceived as body-shaming to queen Illona Verley.
“I think that your mug is painted so gorgeously. However, when I see that booty and the little turnaround, a little full coverage foundation may have helped you out,” Jeffrey told her.
Drag Race UK star Crystal has come to Bowyer-Chapman’s defense, pushing back against audience criticism.
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The main arguments I’ve seen are accusations of “inauthenticity” (as if YOU know what’s authentic for him), and bad critiques (but none of the other judges are getting that half as hard).
— Crystal | Black Lives Matter (@crystalwillseeu) August 23, 2020
“So the black queer judge on Canada’s Drag Race gets bullied off twitter. Ya’ll happy?” Crystal tweeted. “The main arguments I’ve seen are accusations of “inauthenticity” (as if YOU know what’s authentic for him), and bad critiques (but none of the other judges are getting that half as hard). It’s a pile on. And it’s racist. And for what? Clout? Bet you would have loved a good old fashioned public stoning.”
It’s a pile on. And it’s racist.
And for what? Clout?
Bet you would have loved a good old fashioned public stoning.
— Crystal | Black Lives Matter (@crystalwillseeu) August 23, 2020
Other fans of the show have rebutted the Twitter criticism of Bowyer-Chapman, calling out toxicity among the Drag Race audience.
The #DragRace fandom continues to be on track to battle Star Wars fans as the worst.
The treatment of #CanadasDragRace judge Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman is disgusting, but sadly it doesn't shock me that the group of racist white teens to hate him… https://t.co/1YYamApaMR
— Count EJ ???? (@EJKhryst) August 24, 2020
“The #DragRace fandom continues to be on track to battle Star Wars fans as the worst. The treatment of #CanadasDragRace judge Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman is disgusting, but sadly it doesn’t shock me that the group of racist white teens to hate him…,” tweeted fan EJ Moreno.
I truly wonder if the people who DESPISE Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and send him daily threats have ever watched American Drag Race before. Like… his judging isn't that different? Have you even listened to half the shit Michelle Visage says? I'm confused by this outrage?
— Jess Beaulieu (@msjessbeaulieu) August 24, 2020
“I truly wonder if the people who DESPISE Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman and send him daily threats have ever watched American Drag Race before. Like… his judging isn’t that different? Have you even listened to half the shit Michelle Visage says? I’m confused by this outrage?” said Twitter user @msjessbeaulieu. “The guy isn’t my favourite but jesus christ he is not a monster by any means. His job is to give critiques. Is he sometimes off? Yes. But so are tons of other judges including Rupaul. But people are acting like what JBC is saying is a criminal act. I don’t get it.”
i for one don’t think jeffrey boyer chapman is being harsh enough – i’ve been more ruthless greeting friends at brunch. grow up
— aidan (@aidan_oloughlin) August 24, 2020
“i for one don’t think jeffrey boyer chapman is being harsh enough – i’ve been more ruthless greeting friends at brunch. grow up,” added user @aidan_oloughlin.
At the time of this writing, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman has not commented publicly on his decision to leave Twitter. He becomes the second major figure in the Drag Race franchise to delete his Twitter account after RuPaul himself.
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graphicjack
I can agree that the fan base of the show has racist ways at times, but I don’t see this as an example of racism in the fan base. Stacey is black too, y’all, and she gets nothing but love. So why are they being treated differently? Because JBC is a mess. He consistently makes comments that are either rude, confusing and contradictory, or just dead wrong. I call out when the judging is foul by BLH, or by any of the judges on the US or UK versions, too. JBC has just been the most consistently incorrect and rude out of any of the judges, save maybe Santino. I literally enjoy the episode right up until the judging, and then I brace myself for the foolery and shenanigans. Jimbo made two complete latex outfits from scratch and painted Bimbo beautifully and gets third place (bottom three) under Priyanka who glued a bunch of crap on a bodysuit and a stretch minskirt and Scarlett who paired violet and neon green body suits with black and metallic bronze leather jackets with fringe. Ummm…. huh?
HOWEVER, any ‘fan’ who goes on JBC’s social media and directly attacks him is a damn fool… and that stupid petition is just ridiculous and childish. He’s doing his job… yes, I agree he’s not good at it, but don’t make the situation worse. It’s a damn show, and yes, while we can get passionate about it, let’s not act as messy and rude as we are accusing him of being.
Cam
I thought when he talked about “Coverage” he was talking about body makeup. But maybe I got it wrong.
Toofie
I believe that was it. He also made that comment about a white queen’s arms not matching his face.
Large Marge
It was about body makeup. She had part of her butt exposed, raw skin, that was red and pimply. It needed some makeup.
ScottOnEarth
Is this a surprise? the LGBTQ “community” is the most vicious, unkind so-called community there is. They criticize, mock and seek to tear each other down routinely. This is common knowledge but people still abide this charade of a community that welcomes everyone (rainbow flag?) and offers a safe haven from the straight world. Ha! Nothing could be further from the truth.
Cam
Oh please, can you right wing trolls try a new tactic.
Let’s see, right wing groups in the U.S. were funding support of a law in Uganda that would have legalized murder of gay people, but yes, the LGBTQ community is the worst because a judge on a reality show criticized somebody’s body suit.
Your attempts to paint victims as bullies was tired a decade ago. Go sell crazy someplace else.
iggy6666
Way to prove Scott right Cam…..you’re a prime candidate here on Queerty.
Cam
@iggy6666
Translation, the troll tried another screename to back itself up.
You’re welcome to detail out exactly where I backed up his comment.
iggy6666
Troll this. Troll that. . Multiple screen name blah blah blah……. Cam you’ve been singing that same song for almost a decade now. Such dedication……. Get a life outside Queerty, there’s bigger things then trying to be right all the time…..
barryaksarben
You seem very hate filled yourself Scotty? Our community is no better or no worse than any other community. There is no difference. We are to be sure full of racist JUST LIKE every other group in the world. The only difference is TWITTER and who uses it. THe kindest people I have EVER met in my 60 some years on earth are all GAY or LESBIAN . Maybe , it is you not us. I fear you may be a troll. Even then I pity not hate you.
barryaksarben
I agree with CAM on this one guys.
Cam
@iggy6666
In other words, you can’t point out anywhere that I backed up his comment.
Thanks for playing troll.
ShiningSex
I think body shaming anyone is wrong and there’s a lot of that in the gay community.
There is also a lot of racism in our community sadly too.
I think Brooklyn and Boyer are both kinda dull. I don’t get why Brooklyn is a judge at all even if she’s Canadian. She was on the show ONCE. I am sure a more famous drag queen from Canada could have taken the role. One who has paid their dues.
The show is actually quite boring. The UK one has been the best spin off so far. The Vegas one is SO BORING TOO!!!! zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
barryaksarben
geez dont watch. Brooklyn is the host because she took the intiative and proposed a canda one to RUPAUL. I do think Brooklyn was one if not the only canadian to ever be on the show but I maybe wrong there but I do know she approached RU. SHe hasnt been great but she is ok. They are trying to have all three judges carry the load unlike America where we want all ru all the time
Prax07
Didn’t see him being any worse than any other judge ever. And I took the butt comment as covering them to match her face color. Those cheeks were White.
Cam
Thank you! That’s what I got from it. Makeup coverage. Michelle Visage has complained before about hands not matching face etc.
Probably some Canadian right wingers attempts to get the show pulled.
controversial2019
When this story first came out Brook Lyn commenter on what was meant by both her and him.
Apparently, the Queen shaved her cheeks (as they often do), got shave bumps (as they often do) but didn’t cover up the shave bumps with foundation (as they often do).
They’re on a competition where, to be honest, it’s primarily about being a polished Queen; regardless of style or character or persona – it’s about being polished. And if you don’t cover up “impurities” – you don’t come across as polished.
It would be the same as a model (supposed to be polished) having tired bags under their eyes and not covering it up to look flawless/polished.
It’s not body shaming if the industry you’ve chosen to be in as about being polished. And saying someone hasn’t put enough foundation on some shave bumps makes no comment about their size or shape; so it’s not body shaming.
RobF
If you can’t take criticism on social media, don’t participate! Every celebrity gets trolled, harassed and or bullied. Grow up!
ricdardc1
If he were a 10. As the Gay Culture accepts as cute instead of a 1990’s looking ex football player pushing penis pills on T.V. at 3 in the morning. He would get more Positive Feedback. We like Our Bitch Critic s. Looking Great.