Drag

Drag Race UK’s Kate Butch says she lied to RuPaul about her Slaycation runway outfit

By Jordan Robledo

21st October 2023

Drag Race UK star Kate Butch has revealed some jaw-dropping behind-the-scenes tea about her season five swimsuit ensemble. 

For this week’s episode, the queens were split into three teams to deliver a masterclass on three topics: Love, Werk and Play. 

After winning the mini-challenge, Tomara Thomas was granted the responsibility of assigning the three groups.

As a result, the Hartlepool-based queen selected Michael Marouli and Ginger Johnson as her teammates.

Cara Melle, Banksie and Vicki Vivacious made up the second group, with Miss Naomi Carter, DeDelicious and Kate Butch forming the third team. 

While the majority of the queens delivered iconic and hilarious moments that impressed the judges, Naomi and Cara failed to master the three topics, resulting in their placement in the bottom two. 

After an electric and dynamic lip-sync to Yazz’s hit song ‘The Only Way Is Up,” Ru asked Naomi to sashay away from the competition. 

Shortly after the episode aired, Kate took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to open up about her runway exchange with RuPaul regarding her Slaycation ensemble.  

The beach-inspired outfit in question was a black bedazzled wetsuit paired with an orange belt, netted train, and glittery orange heels made to resemble snorkelling fins. 

After receiving praise for her maxi-challenge performance, Ru panned Kate’s look – describing it as “challenging.”

She also critiqued her wig, stating: “Listen, there’s a blonde colour for every human on this earth. This blonde is not your colour.” 

While the exchange was far from dramatic, Kate revealed that Ru asked if she created her look from scratch during an unaired moment, resulting in her lying about its origin. 

“On the runway, RuPaul asked me if I’d made my wetsuit myself and without hesitation, I said ‘yes,'” she wrote on X. “It was £30 off the internet.”

Kate went on to say that she lied about buying the suit due to the unforgettable H&M debacle from Drag Race UK season two. 

“It’s SO easy to lie to people. I knew in my heart I wasn’t having another H&M moment,” she added. 

The beloved queen’s revelation was immediately met with support from fans, with many of her followers cracking jokes in her mentions. 

One viewer commented: “Another smart decision mother.”

Another fan wrote: “If I didn’t already stan before I definitely do now.” 

Back in 2021, the Drag Race UK fandom was forever changed when RuPaul iconic-ly exploded at fan favourite queen, Joe Black, for wearing a dress from H&M. 

“We’re looking for Great Britain’s Next Superstar, don’t waste my time. I don’t wanna see any fucking H&M!” Ru told the star, which ultimately resulted in her second elimination of the series. 

In an interview with GAY TIMES, Joe reflected on her exchange with the drag icon, stating: “I can’t recall another time when that’s kind of happened.”

“Something about that must’ve sparked something in Mr Charles. All of my Drag Race journey seems to be filled with controversy, which I quite like actually.

Check out more fan reactions to Kate’s revelation below. 

Drag Race UK season five is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.