Shangela at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2019 Photo: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY NETWORK via IMAGN
A former production assistant (PA) on HBO’s docuseries We’re Here has dropped his rape lawsuit against Darius Jeremy “DJ” Pierce, a former RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor better known as Shangela. Pierce still faces sexual assault allegations from five other men, though Pierce has denied any wrongdoing.
The PA, Daniel McGarrigle, had accused Pierce of raping him in a Louisiana hotel room after McGarrigle vomited and passed out drunk following a 2020 crew party for the docuseries. McGarrigle sought unspecified damages for alleged sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender violence, false imprisonment, and negligence.
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In a statement, Pierce said that he was “hurt and disgusted” by the allegations, which he characterized as “totally untrue” and “entirely meritless.”
“They are personally offensive and perpetuate damaging stereotypes that are harmful not only to me but also to my entire community,” Pierce said. “An external investigation into this embittered individual’s claims previously concluded that they were completely without merit.”
Around October 19, a judge dismissed McGarrigle’s gender violence and civil rights violations claims. Pierce and McGarrigle attended mediation on January 16. During that mediation, McGarrigle agreed to dismiss his case.
One accuser, RoyLee Soliz, said he woke to Pierce trying to insert his genitals in his mouth after the two spent a night drinking together. Another accuser, identified only as Zachary, said Pierce gave him drinks until he passed out, after which, Pierce and another unidentified man tried to penetrate him. Two other accusers made similar accusations. A fifth accuser, Edward Ramirez, said Pierce tried to sexually assault him in a walk-in closet.
According to Rolling Stone, all five accusers have publicly opposed anti-drag bans in Republican-led states nationwide and worried that their accusations would contribute to anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-drag narratives. Nevertheless, the accusers said they believe Pierce should be held accountable for his alleged actions.
Pierce had temporarily stopped posting on social media after the recent accusations surfaced. However, on April 4, he published an Instagram post featuring himself smiling in a field of bluebonnet flowers.
The caption on the post said, “Focusing on the light. Grateful for u Mom, and for my friends, family, mentors, my faith, and genuine people around the world who help lift my spirit thru the madness. I’ve always told y’all to never give up … and I promise not to either. No matter what. Thx for the love, and u already know this lil Texas doll is sending it right back atcha.”
