RuPaul’s Drag Race finalist taking ‘step back’ from drag

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 finalist Lexi Love has announced that she’s taking an indefinite ‘step back’ from drag to ‘nurture [her] mental, physical, and emotional well-being’ – but promises to return ‘stronger than ever’.

Ms. Lexi Love gagged viewers during the recently concluded 17th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, picking up two wins along the way to the top four, including one for the season’s second split premiere.

The trans icon placed 3rd/ 4th alongside Sam Star, just losing out on the chance to lip-sync for the crown to Jewels Sparkles and eventual winner Onya Nurve.

Now, Lexi has announced an indefinite ‘step back’ from drag in order to “transform [her] relationship with [her] inner saboteur.”

In a statement posted to the Drag Race star’s socials 27 April, Lexi wrote, “To my loyal family, friends, and fans.

“I’m taking a step back to nurture my mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It’s time to transform my relationship with my inner saboteur — to understand it, disarm it, and step fully into my strength.”

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— Lexi Love (@mslexilovesyou) April 28, 2025

The statement continued, “This journey isn’t one I can take alone. I know I’ll need help, guidance, and grace along the way — and I’m so grateful to have the love and support of this incredible community behind me.

“When I return, I’ll be ready to take on the world — bigger, better, and stronger than ever. And to those who doubted me — thank you for reminding me that resilience is a choice, and I choose to rise. I Lexi Love You.”

So to those fans panicking – don’t worry, Lexi Love will be back.

During her time on the season, Lexi, 33, grappled with the classic RuPaul-popularised struggle of the ‘inner saboteur’, resulting in the queen being in her own head a lot, and a fairly one-sided beef with Suzie Toot.

The queen opened up about her past on the season, including drug use and a terrifying human trafficking ordeal, as well as being open about her HIV status, resulting in a huge wave of support from fans.

Though season 17 has finished, its available to stream in its entirety on WOW Presents Plus – and All Stars 10 will be available to stream on Paramount+ in the US and WOW Presents Plus internationally from 9 May.

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