“RuPaul’s Drag Race” Alum Shangela Accused of Another Sexual Assault Nearly 1 Year After Last Lawsuit Was Dismissed

RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Shangela Faces New Sexual Assault Lawsuit

Chantaize Darius Jeremy Pierce, famous for his appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race as Shangela, is under fire once again as a new lawsuit accuses him of sexual assault. Eric Poff, known professionally as Dakota Payne in the adult film industry, filed the lawsuit against Pierce in the New York County Supreme Court on February 24th. According to documents obtained by PEOPLE, Poff decided to come forward after hearing about past allegations against Pierce in the news in 2024.

The lawsuit details an alleged incident that took place in October 2017 when Poff and Pierce were out having drinks while filming Hurricane Bianca in Manhattan. Poff claims he consumed spiked drinks at the bar and later found himself in a semi-conscious state in a hotel room with no recollection of events. In a disturbing revelation, Poff alleges waking up to being sexually assaulted by an unknown man, while Pierce was said to be present in the room.

Poff’s legal team argues that due to his incapacitated state, he was unable to provide consent for the sexual activity that took place. The lawsuit contends that Pierce violated The Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law by allegedly sexually assaulting Poff. Pierce’s attorney, Andrew Brettler, has not yet responded to the new lawsuit. However, in a statement to PEOPLE in May 2023, Pierce vehemently denied previous rape allegations, expressing deep hurt and disgust at the claims.

The legal action comes after Rolling Stone published an investigative report in 2024, where five individuals accused Pierce of sexual assault or attempting sexual acts without consent between 2012 and 2018. Prior to this, a lawsuit filed by a former Drag Race production assistant, Daniel McGarrigle, alleging rape and gender violence against Pierce was dismissed in March 2024. McGarrigle had also accused Pierce of sexual assault during their time on HBO’s We’re Here in 2020.

Poff is seeking a jury trial, punitive damages, compensatory damages for pain and suffering, as well as legal fees from Pierce. The lawsuit highlights the gravity of the allegations against the Drag Race star and underscores the importance of addressing sexual assault and gender violence in society.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains critical to respect the judicial process and allow for a fair investigation into the allegations brought forth. The impact of such accusations extends beyond individuals involved and serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges surrounding consent, gender violence, and accountability in our communities.

Instances of sexual assault are deeply troubling and require a thorough and sensitive approach to seek justice and support for survivors. It is essential to promote a culture of respect, consent, and understanding to prevent such incidents and provide a safe environment for all individuals. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to uphold the principles of justice and ensure that all parties are heard and treated fairly in accordance with the law.