Drag Race UK criticised for ‘body shaming’ in casting advertisement

(Netflix: RuPaul's Drag Race

A casting advertisement for the Drag Race UK Pit Crew has been called out for body shaming.

RuPaul’s Drag Race is set to launch in the UK on BBC Three this year and will feature 10 drag queens from across the country, who will complete in a number of individual and team challenges.

Fans of the show will be familiar with the Pit Crew – a group of men who are typically dressed only in their underwear and assist RuPaul and contestants in various challenges.

The scantily-clad men, who usually have no dialogue, mainly appear as ‘eye candy’ for viewers.

But now, as the UK attempts to recreate its own version of the Pit Crew, fans are protesting against the show’s narrow beauty ideal.

The casting call, posted on the Talent Talks website and Instagram, sought men looking to take part in the show, stating: “Talent Talks are exclusively working on a BBC Entertainment Show and looking for fit and attractive males aged 18-35 to take part in the show.

“You will be used as models for different parts of the show and must be confident in just your underwear.

“All applicants must be over 6ft have no tattoos and have an athletic and toned physique.”

The advertisement has provoked criticism from fans on social media with many pointing out the contrast between the parochial advert and the show’s inclusive message.

“Shame on #RupaulsDragRaceUK for this. If you can't love all body types, how in the hell are we gonna love this show? Not everyone is buff, tall and tattoo free. The UK has a rich variety of attractive men that do not conform to these ideals,” one person wrote on Twitter.

Another added: “UK Drag Race added ‘no tattoos’ and ‘nobody under 6ft’ (read: the vast majority of Asians and South Americans need not apply) rules to their pit crew casting and that sounds about as bland, aggressively safe, and white as I expected from the BBC.”

The comments continued on Facebook too where a number of fans called for more body diversity.

“Honestly, it’s 2019, every freaking community should accept all shapes and sizes,” one person wrote.

“I understand that a healthy body is very attractive, however, as a human being, I believe they should have all people of every shape and size.”

However, others disagreed, likening a position on the Pit Crew to that of a modelling job.

“This is exactly how the add should have read ! We love the pit crew because their gorgeous, that’s the gimmick! Absolutely ridiculous. I’m not the best looking guy in the world but I’m not offended by this [sic]” someone commented.

Another added: “Everyone knows the pit crew is there to make you drool.”

This isn’t the first time Drag Race has been embroiled in controversy. Last year, RuPaul apologised after saying a trans woman who was actively transitioning would not be allowed to compete on the show.

After a deluge of negative reactions, RuPaul apologised for his original statement, writing on Twitter, “Each morning I pray to set aside everything I THINK I know, so I may have an open mind and a new experience.”

A few months later, Drag Race featured its first transgender man on the Pit Crew.

Laith Ashley, a model who has previously featured in shows for Gypsy Sport at New York Fashion Week, thanked fans for their support after his debut appearance.

“I just needed to say thank you for all the comments I’ve been getting for my appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race,” he said in a video posted to Twitter.

“I’m overwhelmed. A big thank you to RuPaul and World of Wonder."