When the fourth season of We're Here premieres, it's going to look a little bit different.
via EW:
RuPaul’s Drag Race alums Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela, and Eureka, who led the show’s first three seasons to two Emmy victories, will not be returning for the new season. Details for the change have yet to be revealed.
First debuting in 2020, We’re Here charted the trio’s journey across small-town America, as they stopped in various conservative regions to give residents empowering makeovers and a slot in a one-night-only drag extravaganza.
In late 2022, Daniel McGarrigle, a former assistant on the series, accused Shangela of raping him in a hotel room in February 2020 — an allegation the Dancing With the Stars alum denied after McGarrigle filed a lawsuit against the drag entertainer.
In a statement to EW in May, Shangela — also known as Darius Jeremy “DJ” Pierce — said that he was “disgusted” by the claim.
“They are personally offensive and perpetuate damaging stereotypes that are harmful not only to me but also to my entire community,” the statement read. “An external investigation into this embittered individual’s claims previously concluded that they were completely without merit. This newest filing is nothing but an attempt to shake down both me and a well-regarded television company. No one should be fooled: It has no basis in fact or in law, and it will not succeed.”
The fourth season will now follow Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall and Priyanka as they continue to spread love and connect with small town Americans through the art of drag. This season will focus on two U.S. towns over the course of six episodes, taking an in-depth and more immersive look at the local political systems and participants, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and opposition, and their effect on the LGBTQ+ community.
“With the ongoing aggression towards the LGBTQ+ community, and the increased hostility directed at drag performers, it’s more important than ever for another season of ‘We’re Here,'” said Nina Rosenstein, HBO’s executive vice president of late night and specials programming Time and time again, the series has shown that love is stronger than hate, and we want to continue to uplift the community by showcasing these rich and important stories. We owe a huge thank you to Bob, Shangela and Eureka for sharing their personal stories and for their incredible contribution over the last three seasons. We’re also excited to welcome our three new queens to the We’re Here family and dive into our new season.”
“In this increasingly hostile political climate, we are grateful to HBO for their dedication to telling LGBTQ+ stories that meet the moment and document our history,” said Ingram and Warren. “We are thrilled to expand our drag family and give much needed love to the people on the front lines of hate.”
Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela and Eureka O’Hara had this to say in a joint statement, “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity we had the past three seasons to travel across the country, share our experiences and connect with all of the courageous individuals who entrusted us with their stories. Our journey has inspired hope and sparked important conversations while empowering unique voices and opening new doors. As we move forward with our exciting individual projects, we welcome Sasha Velour, Priyanka and Jaida Essence Hall, and wish them the best on continuing this work during an increasingly difficult time for the LGBTQ+ community.”
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