Drag Race Down Under star Art Simone has weighed in on a new conspiracy theory surrounding one of her Down Under vs the World sisters.
The cast for the new international spin-off was finally unveiled on Wednesday, ahead of the season premiering on 24 July.
In the new season, Art and her Down Under sisters Coco Jumbo, Vybe, Flor and Nikita Iman will compete against a group of queens from overseas.
One of the biggest surprises in the line-up is Raven, who first appeared on season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2010 and finished as runner-up.
She returned in 2012 for the first season of All Stars, where she again placed second. For the past nine years, Raven has worked behind the scenes on Drag Race as RuPaul’s head makeup artist, a role that earned her an Emmy Award.
Now, on Drag Race Down Under vs the World, Raven is returning to compete for the first time in 14 years.
Or is she?
Since the cast reveal, some fans have questioned whether Raven is actually back as a contestant, suspecting a stunt, gag or twist could be on the way. On All Stars 7, Raven famously entered the Werk Room as a surprise gag, but did not compete.
Others have pointed out that Down Under vs the World could be Raven’s rare shot at a crown, as Michelle Visage is hosting the season instead of her employer RuPaul.
Art Simone took to Instagram to respond to the speculation, while also poking fun at another conspiracy theory that once surrounded Drag Race Down Under.
“You know the first time I did Drag Race we were haunted by a question and that was, was RuPaul really there?” Art said.
“Because they thought she’d green-screened herself in.
“And second time round, we’re haunted by another question, is Raven competing? Yes and yes. Come on guys, what’s going on?”
To be fair to Raven, her Meet the Queens interview makes her intentions very clear.
“I wanted to come back and compete again because I missed the competition. I missed walking the main stage,” Raven said.
“I’m here for the crown. I’m here to compete. I’m here to win. After all of these years, I am here.”
The other international queens joining the season are Estrella Xtravaganza from Drag Race España season two, LaLa Ri from Drag Race season 13 and All Stars 8, M1ss Jade So from Drag Race Philippines season two, Michael Marouli from Drag Race UK season five, and Nicole Paige Brooks from Drag Race season two and All Stars 10.
Michelle Visage returns as host of Drag Race Down Under vs the World, with Rhys Nicholson and season four winner Lazy Susan joining the judging panel.
