Michelle Visage defends Drag Race icon RuPaul amid exit speculation
The Drag Race judge insists the franchise creator still loves hosting the series
Michelle Visage has firmly dismissed speculation that longtime Drag Race host and creator RuPaul is preparing to retire from the franchise.
The television personality and singer addressed the rumors during a recent interview, making it clear that fans should not expect RuPaul to step away from the hit competition series anytime soon.
“There’s absolutely no end to RuPaul at all,” Visage said, shutting down ongoing speculation surrounding the future of the Emmy-winning host after 18 seasons of Drag Race.
“She ain’t going anywhere, honey, and neither am I. So we can stop that rumour right now. Trust Mother,” she added.
Questions about RuPaul’s future have surfaced periodically as the franchise continues to expand globally, with multiple international editions and spin-offs.
However, Visage suggested that replacing the show's central figure is not something she can envision.
“I don’t think Ru will ever retire,” she said. “She actually comes to life and loves doing what we do.”
Visage also praised RuPaul’s unique role in shaping the global phenomenon, noting that the franchise remains closely tied to its creator’s personality and vision.
“This is the house that Ru built,” she said. “Nobody, with all due respect to our hosts around the world, does it quite like Mama Ru.”
The pair have worked together for decades and have become synonymous with the Drag Race brand.
According to Visage, their enduring partnership is built on mutual respect and a deep personal connection.
Reflecting on their friendship, she said they have continued to grow together both personally and professionally over the years, despite occasional differences in opinion.
Retirement speculation surrounding RuPaul is not new. The entertainer has repeatedly expressed a desire to remain creative for as long as possible.
In previous interviews, RuPaul emphasized that creativity—not retirement—remains the driving force behind their career.
The future of the franchise has also been a topic of discussion among its producers. Last year, World of Wonder co-founder Fenton Bailey voiced confidence in the continued popularity of Drag Race, arguing that audience demand for drag entertainment remains strong despite changing political and cultural debates.
