RuPaul’s Drag Race star Gottmik has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a crash involving several parked cars in Burbank, California.
Gottmik, whose real name is Kade Gottlieb, was arrested on 16 September after police responded to a collision near Verdugo Avenue and Hollywood Way at around 4.50pm.
Police said a black Porsche driven by Gottlieb struck a parked Toyota Camry, pushing it into two additional parked vehicles.
Gottlieb was the sole occupant of the Porsche.
According to police, the driver displayed “objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication” and was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Gottlieb was released the following day.
Gottmik Has Not Publicly Commented
No serious injuries have been reported in connection with the crash.
At the time of publication, Gottmik has not publicly commented on the arrest.
The case remains an allegation, and an arrest does not amount to a finding of guilt.
Several fellow Drag Race performers reacted to reports of the incident online, including Briar Blush and Daya Betty, who both made jokes about using a rideshare instead.
A Drag Race History-Maker
Gottmik became one of the most recognisable names in the Drag Race franchise after competing on Season 13 in 2021.
The performer made history as the first openly transgender man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, eventually finishing in joint third-fourth place alongside Rosé.
Gottmik later returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 9 in 2024, finishing fourth.
Known for high-concept fashion, distinctive white-face make-up and boundary-pushing drag, Gottmik has since built a career across modelling, performance and LGBTQ+ media.
More recently, Gottmik has also spoken publicly about the importance of drag kings, describing them as a vital part of drag’s future.
For now, however, attention has shifted to the Burbank incident, with no further public statement from Gottmik or representatives about what happened.
