James Ross, who rose to fame as Tyra Sanchez after winning RuPaul’s Drag Race season two, is intensifying his legal campaign against the show and its producers. Having previously announced his intention to sue, Ross has now called on other former contestants to join him in what he says is a class action lawsuit.
Earlier this year, Ross revealed via social media that he planned to take legal action against RuPaul Charles, Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, and production company World of Wonder. Despite no official court filings being made public at the time, Ross shared what he claimed was a “statement of claim” outlining the alleged grounds for legal proceedings.
According to the document posted on Facebook, Ross is accusing the defendants of “intentional infliction of emotional distress, defamation, false light, and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage.”
“For over a decade, defendants, acting collectively and in concert, have engaged in a pattern of conduct designed to discredit, disparage, and destroy Ross’s professional reputation,” the statement alleged. It also claimed this behaviour was carried out “with reckless disregard for the truth and with the intent to incite hatred, harassment, and ostracisation.”
While many fans questioned the legitimacy of the legal claims—especially given the lack of any formal court filings—Ross has continued to double down, now urging other former Drag Race contestants to join the case.
Posting to Facebook on 17 January, Ross wrote:
“Pursuant to counsel’s direction, I am notifying any former contestants who experienced similar mistreatment by RuPaul and World of Wonder that a class action lawsuit is moving forward.
“Silence will not halt this process; it will proceed with or without participation. Confidentiality will be maintained for those who step forward.”
Controversial Claims and Continued Criticism
Ross, who no longer identifies with the Tyra Sanchez name, has made numerous inflammatory posts on social media in recent years. In recent posts, he targeted several Drag Race figures, including Drag Race UK star Cherry Valentine, who tragically died by suicide in 2022, and Michelle Visage.
Among his most criticised statements were posts reading “KETAMINE KILLED THE QUEEN” and “Say her name. Cherry Valentine. Death by suicide AFTER appearing on RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE.”
He also took aim at Visage, writing, “Karma came to collect Michelle Titties.”
These posts have drawn significant backlash, with many accusing Ross of exploiting tragedy and further distancing himself from the Drag Race community.
Despite the inflammatory nature of Ross’s commentary, there has been no official public response from RuPaul’s Drag Race, its producers, or the former contestants mentioned. However, RuPaul recently reposted a screenshot from a season two acting challenge showing her slapping Tyra Sanchez—a moment Ross has referenced in his legal claims as an example of perceived mistreatment.
Subtle Snubs and Continued Tensions
While World of Wonder and RuPaul have remained largely silent in public, fans believe the show has made several subtle jabs at Ross over the years.
Most recently, in episode 10 of Drag Race All Stars season 10, RuPaul crowned Raven—the runner-up of season two—as the winner of a challenge. Many fans interpreted this as a deliberate nod to Ross’s absence and continued estrangement from the franchise.
Ross has faced ongoing criticism for his social media behaviour and divisive public statements, yet continues to assert that his legal pursuit is legitimate and warranted. Whether a class action lawsuit will actually be filed remains to be seen.
