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Tyra Sanchez posts lengthy apology and explanation of behavior
After staying largely quiet on social media in recent months, drag queen Tyra Sanchez has posted a lengthy apology and explanation of her sometimes hot-tempered past behavior.
As all RuPaul‘s Drag Race fans know, Sanchez (real name James William Ross IV) won the second season of the show back in 2010. She scooped $25,000 and plenty of bookings to appear all over the country. However, she’s been embroiled in several controversies since.
This included a spat with Morgan McMichaels after the latter said she refused to perform on the same bill as Sanchez.
Sanchez has also lashed out at fellow queens Raja, Phi Phi O’Hara, and Tatianna. The latter dispute escalated last year.
Back in late 2017, Sanchez appeared to threaten O’Hara and Tatianna in a video posting, saying: “‘When you see Ms. Phi Phi and Ms. Mother Fucking Tati’s ass stretched out on the motherfucking ground, you will know it was me. Yeah, I may not have physically did it, but it will be my doing. Remember that shit, bitch.”
O’Hara then complained to organizers of DragCon 2018 in Los Angeles that they should not host a drag queen who condones violence against others. Sanchez then warned her followers not to attend DragCon with a cryptic message stating: “Fair warning: DO NOT attend RuPaul’s DragCon on May 12, 2018. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Related: Tyra Sanchez posts cryptic threat against RuPaul’s DragCon and fans are NOT having it
That was enough to ensure DragCon banned Sanchez from appearing, despite her protestations that she did not intend her statement to be taken as any sort of threat.
Since that time, Sanchez, 31, has kept her social media postings to a minimum. Last night, she posted a long message to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, with an accompanying message saying: “Because I owe this to each of you.”
Because I owe this to each of you. pic.twitter.com/uMfjQO8a5W
— Tyra Sanchez (@KingTyraSanchez) October 8, 2019
“Please excuse my absence.
“Really needing the escape, last year I disappeared from the grid. The calmness of my introverted personality and the level of public recognition I received over the years has been a lot for me. I couldn’t quite grasp how to balance everything. The judgment, criticism and opinions I received daily really affected my vibes and it began to control my environment.
“I was on an extreme roller coaster of emotions. So many ups and too many downs. Exhausted, I was just ready to get off the ride. Last year I finally did just that. Exit the ride.
She goes on to say she dedicated time to finding her true, authentic self and do some “serious soul searching.”
“I learned that for years I’ve been unknowingly beating myself up. Never believing I was good enough, I looked for acceptance in the wrong places and accepted undeserving treatment … I allowed the negativity to consume me. Bottling it inside and smiling through tears I became rebellious; thought it empowered me.”
She admits that “many times I expressed myself without thinking things through. I reacted out of fear and with anger … I had taken the term ‘Don’t come for me!’ to a whole new level. I responded and expressed myself in ways that were misunderstood and offensive to some. I was angry, hurt and lost.
“To each of you reading this I humbly apologize for the online behavior I have displayed in recent years. Though it represents emotions I may have felt, it does not represent my true character. I have failed you and I know I am much better than that.”
Related: ‘Drag Race’ winner Tyra Sanchez blasts ‘psychotic,’ racist fans
Sanchez goes on to say she has been analyzing her strengths and focussing on the positive.
“I know right from wrong and I for damn sure know the online behavior I displayed in recent years ain’t how my momma raised me!
“No more fighting wars with hearts and anger, instead I decided to lead by example with dignity, honesty and integrity. I am here to encourage others and to stand together in love.”
She goes on to acknowledge there are individuals to whom she owes a personal apology, and says she has reached out to people privately.
“I am working hard to correct my wrongs and moving forward on my journey to greatness.”
She concludes by saying: “I understand second chances are rarely given, but I’m asking for a second chance with you. Please excuse my absence and understand why I needed the time to grow and mature. Please forgive me for my online actions prior to this letter and continue to pray for me as I enter into the next chapter of my life.
“Allow me to be the king you were rooting for me to be.”
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