Gabourey Sidibe, best known for her role in *American Horror Story: Coven*, recently shared a chilling experience from her time on set during a premiere event for the 13th season of the series. The actress, who is reprising her role as Queenie, recounted a particularly spooky incident that occurred more than a decade ago while filming the hit anthology show.
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Speaking with *People* at the New York City premiere on September 23, Sidibe reminisced about an unsettling moment that left her feeling disturbed. “Something definitely, I think was trying to follow me off set,” she revealed. This was during her first season of the series, and she recounted how the supernatural elements of the show seemed to seep into the real world.
The actress discussed her uneasy experience with Latin spells, saying, “Sometimes, when they come around and give us Latin spells to do, Latin is a dead language for a reason. It can be a little spooky, it’s alive.” According to Sidibe, reciting these spells had a tangible impact. “I had to do a spell and it was shaking the table on me. It really put me through it.” Such moments left her questioning the thin line between fiction and reality.
Sidibe explained that the eerie feelings did not dissipate once filming wrapped. She specifically mentioned a “scary moment” that followed her off the set. To ward off what she believed was a lingering presence, she resorted to using “sea salt and the archangel, Saint Michael” for protection. For those familiar with Catholic traditions, Saint Michael is known as a protector against evil forces, and Sidibe noted, “He keeps evil away.” She held onto a card featuring the archangel for five years as a source of security.
This is not the first time Sidibe has recounted her eerie experiences from the set. In a 2015 interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, she mentioned hearing “scratching, like something was trying to get in our trailer” while working on the show. Fortunately, she asserts that everything is fine now, and she has embraced the return to her character.
In preparation for stepping back into the role of Queenie for this new season, Sidibe took the time to revisit her past performances. “I re-watched *Coven*. I re-watched season eight, *Apocalypse*, as well so that I can zero in on who she used to be, so that I can figure out how to elevate her to who she is today,” she explained. Recognising that more than a decade has passed since her debut, she noted, “She has grown. She has grown some.”
Fans of the series can look forward to seeing Sidibe take on the role alongside several other beloved characters from the franchise. The new season boasts a star-studded cast including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Billie Lourd, and Emma Roberts, promising to deliver a riveting blend of familiar faces and fresh horrors.
The 13th season of *American Horror Story* has stirred excitement, with a teaser hinting at the return of iconic horrors and the introduction of new threats. The unfolding storyline poses the questions, “Which iconic horrors will return to haunt the hallowed halls of 13, and what new terrors await?” The anticipation encourages fans to “Light your candles, draw your pentagrams and prepare for a supreme surprise.”
*American Horror Story: 13* is set to premiere on Thursday, September 24, on FX and Hulu, continuing to captivate audiences with its unique blend of horror and drama. As Sidibe returns to one of her most notable roles, she embraces the eerie and the dramatic, inviting fans to join her on another thrilling journey through the supernatural.