The TV personality, whose real name is Darius Jeremy Pierce, shuts down the accusations, calling them 'personally offensive' and harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Mar 19, 2024
AceShowbiz - Darius Jeremy "DJ" Pierce, known as "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Shangela, has been accused of multiple sexual assaults between 2012 and 2018 by five individuals. The allegations come five days after a lawsuit against Pierce for rape and gender violence by former Drag Race production assistant Daniel McGarrigle was dismissed "with prejudice."
In a statement, Pierce's lawyer Andrew Brettler denied all allegations of sexual assault, calling them "false and unsupported by any evidence or reliable witness testimony."
One alleged victim, Helmer, claimed Pierce sexually assaulted him in Los Angeles in 2015 while intoxicated. Pierce's lawyer countered that the sex was consensual and that Helmer continued to contact Pierce afterward.
Another alleged victim, Edward Ramirez, stated that Pierce sexually assaulted him in Texas in 2018 after a night out. Ramirez reportedly declined to report the incident to police due to a distrust of authorities.
A third accuser, Checri, claimed that Pierce attempted anal penetration without his consent in London in 2017 while intoxicated. Pierce's lawyer asserted that Checri pursued a physical relationship and that they made out consensually.
A fourth accuser, Zachary, alleged that Pierce and another man attempted to penetrate him forcibly in New Orleans in 2015 while intoxicated. Pierce's lawyer stated that the sexual acts were consensual and that Zachary continued texting Pierce afterward.
A fifth alleged victim, RoyLee Soliz, claimed that Pierce attempted to put his penis in his mouth while intoxicated in Texas in 2012. Pierce's lawyer denied this accusation, stating that Pierce has no recollection of meeting Soliz.
The allegations mirror those made by McGarrigle in his lawsuit, which was later dismissed. Pierce has denied all allegations, calling them "personally offensive" and harmful to the LGBTQ+ community. He has previously stated that an external investigation found no proof of McGarrigle's claims.
