Drag performer Shangela denies rape allegations

The Los Angeles Times reported last week that Darius Jeremy “DJ” Pierce, who performs as the drag queen Shangela on HBO’s acclaimed series “We’re Here,” denies a production assistant’s rape allegations.

People magazine also reported that Pierce, 42, is being sued by former production assistant, Daniel McGarrigle, 39, for sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender violence, false imprisonment, negligence and violation of the Ralph Act.

In a lawsuit McGarrigle filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the former production assistant claims that Pierce sexually assaulted him after a crew party in February 2020. McGarrigle is alleging that he and Pierce were in a Louisiana hotel room when Pierce allegedly overpowered him and had sex with him despite McGarrigle screaming “no” and trying to push him away.

McGarrigle is seeking unspecified damages for sexual assault, sexual harassment, gender violence, false imprisonment and negligence.

In a statement to the Times, Pierce denied McGarrigle’s allegations, saying:

“I can’t begin to explain how hurt and disgusted I am by these totally untrue allegations. They are personally offensive and perpetuate damaging stereotypes that are harmful not only to me but also to my entire community.”

BRODY LEVESQUE