RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Katya Zamolodchikova, known as Brian McCook out of drag, is taking a break from her career to focus on sobriety.
The performer’s official statement was shared on Tuesday, April 9 as a video on her official Instagram page.
“Hi, everybody. There’s a saying for the active alcoholic or drug addict. The trajectory of the life course has three possible outcomes: A. jail; B. institutions; or C. death. Unfortunately, I find myself squarely and firmly and quite uncomfortably in the B camp right now,” Katya said in the video. “But, in an effort to make things good with you in the future, I gotta make things good for me right now.”
She continued:
“Rest assured that any rescheduled dates or potential loss of money will be rectified as swiftly and competently as possible. I gotta swiftly and competently rectify my ass right now. Thank you so much for your patience and compassion and I hope that you have a wonderful day.” Ben Gabbe/Getty Images
It’s also important to focus on the fact that this is a mental health crisis experienced by a human being. While fans might be disappointed that certain dates have been canceled because they love this LGBTQ+ artist, this is a much more serious matter about humanity, addiction, and mental health.
Katya is doing the right thing by taking a break and seeking help. We urge fans to be respectful of her privacy and needs during such a difficult time.
According to the touring scheduled displayed on Obsessed — a platform run by LGTBTQ+ touring/events company Five Senses Reeling — there were only four more dates in this current The Bald and the Beautiful with Trixie and Katya tour: Cincinnati on May 9, Indianapolis on May 10, Albuquerque on Sep. 5, and Sacramento on Sep. 7. As explained by Katya in the video, fans can reach out to Obsessed to request refunds for these scheduled shows that will no longer take place.
We’re sending our love to Katya and those who are closest to her at this time.
If you or someone you knows is dealing with addiction, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889. The hotline is a a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations
