Krystal Versace, the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 3 — and still the youngest-ever queen to be crowned across the entire Drag Race franchise — shared a new post announcing that she's taking a break from drag. She wrote via Instagram story:
"Just wanted to be transparent with you all on here. I'm taking a little break. This year has been intense for me in many ways and I've experienced a lot of burnouts. Society doesn't encourage you about looking after your mental health. In fact, it encourages the opposite, especially in my industry."
The Drag Race UK champion added, "So without getting into too much detail [at the moment,] I want to be open about Krystal's presence as I'm choosing to work on Luke's. I want to start to LOVE what I do best again so all you beautiful people can love it with me."
"I'm constantly amazed [by] the love I receive from you all, and from all the new people that come across my art, and I'm forever grateful to have people that love what I present as much as I love creating it," the statement concluded. "I will be back in good time when I feel I'm ready to put energy back into Krystal. But, as of now, I just need a little moment to catch my breath. Love you all."
Krystal Versace via Instagram story.
Instagram (@krystalversace)
Krystal was crowned the winner of Drag Race UK season 3 — at just 19 years old at the time — after competing against fellow finalists Ella Vaday and Kitty Scott-Claus. Overall, she won two maxi challenges and only had to lip sync for her life once, against Vanity Milan, right before the grand finale.
Over the course of the season, RuPaul told Krystal that she had been "born to do drag" — an acknowledgement that Mama Ru has repeated in subsequent seasons when referring to other queens. But given that Krystal was the first Drag Race star to hear that from the Queen of Drag herself, this high compliment really stood out within the queendom.
While it's always concerning to read that someone is struggling with their mental health, it's also important for Drag Race fans to respect Krystal's privacy and give her some space at this time.
All seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race UK are available for streaming on WOW Presents Plus.
If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text, or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services. Trans Lifeline, designed for transgender or gender-nonconforming people, can be reached at (877) 565-8860. The lifeline also provides resources to help with other crises, such as domestic violence situations. The Trevor Project Lifeline, for LGBTQ+ youth (ages 24 and younger), can be reached at (866) 488-7386. Users can also access chat services at TheTrevorProject.org/Help or text START to 678678.
