James Ross (formerly Tyra Sanchez): Exposed (The Full Interview)

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#TyraSanchez #KingTyra #JamesRoss #DragRace #JosephShepherd
Joseph Shepherd sits down with James Ross (formerly known as Tyra Sanchez) to chat the highs and lows of Drag Race, Club Tyra, the name change to King Tyra, coming out of retirement, and so much more!

[@JosephAShepherd]

Help KickStart this new season of Exposed: bit.ly/3KwkBcK

[@DylanHartwick32]

Love your show❤

[@anacaroline1365]

E nossa

[@modernretroradio993]

Checking it out.

[@Exiled.New.Yorker]

Please please get that red line off of the bottom of the thumbnail. It keeps making me think Ive already watched your videos. Looks too much like YTube's interface.

[@Seven7eIeven11]

Cringe 😬

[@michaelgarcia5749]

Imagine if James comes back as a contestant just to remind us why Raven was second place. 😂😂😂

[@leohcarrillo2981]

I LIVED!!!❤😂

[@latiosfreak2000]

oop blocked by james

[@jackwhite3402]

🤣🤣🤣

[@yasminx16]

Yes - second place TWICE

[@kendallnash2880]

That part!

[@stevienicks841]

You should be proud of this interview. The very fact James/Tyra agreed to do this interview with you says a lot to your reputation and the interview itself was very thoughtful, sensitive and insightful

[@Natalie-hg3gh]

Yes! I gasped when I saw the thumbnail

[@kerstijennings1468]

I respect him for never being a part of cliques. Standing alone intimidates people. The way people tried to push him under a rug tells a lot about the dragrace empire.

[@trinatilson3502]

Sexually abusing the other queen also intimidates people.

[@RuykJoe]

Please also interview Nina Bo'Nina Brown in the future. I think it is absolutely important for these people to have the spot and talk about their experience, especially since people won't listen to what they are saying. I'm so sorry about James' struggle through this, and I'm excited to hear the album!

[@iamcornelia]

This!

[@yikeslmaoo]

Yesss, I love Nina so much, but the fandom always dunks on and misinterpret her!

[@evieemjay8052]

Well said 🙌🏾

[@christiansantiago7067]

Yes please!

[@Trippyrockstarr]

I don’t think Nina would do it tho

[@offbalanceg]

This is one of the most important drag race interviews done thus far!

[@Draghmus]

^ this

[@eddyesdras]

Im shook. I knew many of what was discussed. Even so, I'm scandalized.

[@eddyesdras]

And I agree 100% with you guys 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TimPlavac]

Ever!! So glad James got to set the record straight.

[@CaseyCouture604]

Tyra was treated so poorly. Even the fact they sat Raven at the centre of the table and did that grand entrance for Raven speaks volumes. Why wouldn’t that be for the Winner of the franchise? Tyra was bullied from a network that should’ve been supporting her. I think it’s sick the way they treated her. And Michelle’s treatment of Tyra was deplorable. Also, Thank you for humanizing her in this interview, many of us only saw one side of a flawed manipulative story. so glad she’s coming back. WOW should apologize.

[@trinatilson3502]

Does not explain the bomb threat with the timer Kind of weak or scaring Morgan's family by announcing she was dead

[@josephRUready]

@@trinatilson3502 Did you watch the interview part about the threat or gloss over it?

[@Dalsemien]

@@josephRUready Does not excuse anything.

[@AnimeGirl8792]

@@josephRUready sadly with every positive supporting comments for James, there are hater who still hold on Tyra mistake and hate. Yes Tyra did many thing but she have apologize and even if the queen accept or not. ppl still want to find a way to hate.

[@avahuntergalvan]

I didn’t know this about raven but I’m not surprised at all

[@writebear]

This poor guy, you can tell he's still so hurt. And rightly so. I love the moments when he genuinely laughs.

[@adamchaplin9702]

If hes so hurt maybe its not the path for him. Perhaps getting off social media would be the best thing for him But considering sone of the things hes said towards fans and threatened drag con with an act of terrorism, yea im sorry im not buying this victim mentality. Either he gets a thicker hide or she quits being in the public eye

[@torybias9564]

@@adamchaplin9702 You completely disregarding his experience and suggesting he "go off social media" as if HE wasn't the victim is sick as hell. Let's keep in mind even after him quitting drag and minding his business, folks continuously harassed him on a daily.

[@Jinxypoo100]

@@adamchaplin9702 you’re probably part of WOW 🤮

[@danhorvat1383]

​@@torybias9564maybe is the karma that is paying back all the shit he done to people, like morgan McMichael Tatianna and so and so

[@mincriss1850]

​@@danhorvat1383😂😂

[@RoseBud0327]

"You're the enemy and I can't trust you" hit me so hard. When your mom is your first bully sucks.

[@a.b.c.x.y.z.2967]

What happened to you, why you say that? 🔍

[@Manuelcolon24]

What I find the best about this interview is that you showed receipts to prove what James is saying, because people would immediately jump on him and say that he is lying or making up things. James, know that you deserve appreciation and love🖤

[@trevorgayworth]

Agreed. The one with gun emojis is just insane. It has to fucking suck feeling like the world is against you. My heart goes out to him.

[@pembrokelove]

@@trevorgayworth yes, people constantly bring up that "kill yourself" thing, but nobody stops and thinks that he said it to someone who could have been interpreted to be threatening him or even telling him to kill *himself*. The semantics aren't clear but either is a plausible reading.

[@ITSBRANDONHILTON]

yes, but the receipts show a very one sided view point! It doesn’t show and she doesn’t talk about all her attacks on others, unprovoked, and the awful things she’s said… NONE of that was touched on… sooooo we need an untucked episode for this one cuz girl, we only got half the story!

[@lucasrj4129]

The FBI part with WOW is wild, so f racist! 😭

[@user-cs5lb8tj8h]

Well since it's his interview and his story, it's from his view. With receipts.

[@annabrie5140]

There is absolutely no doubt that Tyra dominated season 2. She was a completely worthy winner! She deserved so much better than she got..

[@devinngeorge]

What crazy Raven didn't perform well and treated some girls badly

[@Lookdownhereiam]

Yeah I was there watching and Tyra was amazing. Raven was great too but 🥈 place great.

[@isaiah9844]

When James said he was getting death threats towards his kid it literally gave me chills 😢people are so cruel

[@trinatilson3502]

Telling the kid to kill themselves is not Queen behavior tho

[@grantmegan91]

And then he threatens to kill adults and children alike with a bomb threat and still has an alternate reality of what his posts meant. Very sad he thinks all of us are that ignorant to believe his fairy tale version of those events and WE are the crazy ones for thinking he meant otherwise. If he never did that I would have extreme sympathy. I still have a lot for what he's had to go through, but him not even coming clean shows he's still that person who made the threat

[@animmigrantperspective3042]

@@trinatilson3502 The person James said that to was the one who sent him gun emojis.

[@dollfacetay35]

​@@grantmegan91i would have done the same thing after all the abuse he had to endure...RU DOES THE SHIT ON PURPOSE

[@moppupaws]

@@grantmegan91 girl..? we're talking about his son. the way you decided to word this comment makes it seem like the hatred against his son is justified because of what he did in the past.

[@anusthing]

I hope James knows that despite all the horrible nasty trolls out there that sent him the most disgusting and abusive messages, that there are lots of us who are rooting for him and hope he succeeds in whatever he chooses to do

[@anusthing]

I would watch Kylie's interview with hey queen. I think she pretty well sums it up that good people will do bad things when they are suffering. Nobody stepped in to help James or defend him while he was getting death threats and racist abuse, and then the fans wonder why he resents us or the other queens.

[@fairycloudz315]

Yes! People are complex, and we can't say someone is just good or just bad. The trolls are just trolling and will never open up to actually discuss anything deeply.

[@feliciaecheverria]

Bravo 👏 👏 👏

[@dajf95]

most deff

[@danielcramer2306]

Do you think he holds any responsibility for what he did? It seems like accountability is shifted from him to the fans with that narrative. I think the fans hold some accountability for the bullying but he did what he did ultimately.

[@semajco]

Raven said so much horrible Shit on drag race but James get all the heat for defending himself. I really wanna see him on tv again

[@ariefhakim7905]

fact

[@jordangustke1877]

Werq

[@GOODdeels]

Hmm I wonder why? Is it perhaps because Tyra's black 🤔

[@Richard-eb9sg]

Facts

[@cheyunderskore1306]

@@GOODdeels Honey. It and continues … black queens constantly get the hate. Even the sweet Jaida Essence Hall… for winning and not Gigi.

[@watchnlearn4362]

Raven was NOT robbed, Raven was far outmatched and lucky to even make top 2 (where Tyra obliterated her within the first 3 seconds of the finale lip sync). Anyone still pushing that narrative racist coz how do you even justify that like we didn’t all watch Tyra own season 2?

[@siobhantaylor4109]

Joseph is an exceptional interviewer!! Knows how to make a safe, comfortable space for guests 💛 All the love for James (King Tyra)

[@a.b.c.x.y.z.2967]

Unlike that Dan Schneider-like guy from Hey Qween 🔍

[@robertmoore6294]

The question of “why would you ask a person to go back to their abuser” is such an important question, especially in King Tyra’s case. They have been DRUG THROUGH THE MUD in the worst possible way and when they retaliated, they were in the wrong. Drag race is a phenomenal franchise because it has given such a platform to the art of drag that is now loved worldwide. In the case of King Tyra and many other contestants (Pearl, Kameron Michaels, etc..) it was a close to traumatic experience. We should be asking them “what’s next” instead of “will you go back” because it’s about the performer, not the franchise. Very well done Joseph. I’ve enjoyed your series and this interview is my favorite thus far. So excited to see what’s next for King Tyra! ❤❤❤

[@poopoopeepee211]

what happened with Kameron?

[@rezahamedani3134]

The fact that they brought Raven for all winners season to represent Tyra already speaks volumes about the production favoritism toward Raven.

[@eddiethewhale3268]

Back in 2012-2013 when I was first introduced to Drag Race I saw “Raven was robbed” everywhere and just accepted it as truth bc I thought “if everybody is saying it, then it must be true”, up until 4 years ago when I finally watched season 2 and I realized Raven was in fact NOT robbed and Tyra won season 2 by a landslide

[@itsmedrico1735]

That's the proof you didn't have personality to think for yourself.

[@eddiethewhale3268]

@@itsmedrico1735 bro I was 10-11

[@jjm318]

@@eddiethewhale3268 so you basically saying you BEEN a follower. Great.

[@eddiethewhale3268]

@@jjm318 like I never saw the season up until 4 years ago, but before watching it I never knew WHY Raven was considered “robbed”, just the fact she was considered “robbed” and I was like “oh ok” and by investigating analyzing the evidence 4 years ago, I was able to conclude that Raven was not robbed and Tyra rightfully won😭

[@jackyparks3944]

Same

[@McCleanOliver]

I am so so happy you gave James Ross a platform to share his side of the story. I hate every time the fan base and Drag Race cancels queens. Give them the chance to be heard and let the public decide if they want to follow the queens.

[@paStLife463]

James DEMOLISHED his season, won fair and square, he embodied Star Quality AND made good TV! His personal story is one of the most interesting and unique of many contestants...Ru Paul was MESMERIZED by his STAR at the time and it showed. I would love it if he decided to make a come back!

[@ermer]

Yeah, I just recently watched S2 after hearing forever that Raven was “robbed,” and I was like, what? Tyra ate every. single. challenge. Maybe he has a difficult personality, but so does Raven, so I can’t help but think the difference in how they were perceived during that season was racially motivated. Why else was Raven celebrated for the same qualities that people hated in Tyra?

[@edlee2336]

@@ermer Yeah I just finished season 2 and Raven was vile towards Tatianna and for some reason I didn’t remember that the first time.

[@Richard-eb9sg]

Facts

[@bcuriel2010]

He has talent but zero personality. She just an UNT

[@matthewlucas4990]

You're kidding right? Tyra would have lip synced twice if it wasn't for immunity. She was the UNDENIABLE worst in 2 challenges. She did not demolish the season, she failed just as often as raven and jujubee. And multiple of her wins could have easily been justified going towards other queens.

[@LupeV]

I love a redemption arc. I’m so here for King Tyra. Wishing him all the success.

[@baf9369]

No redemption needed just toxic racist fans

[@UnderRa8ted]

He had nothing to redeem

[@trinatilson3502]

If y'all think what he did to Tati (sexual assault) telling kids to kill themselves and terrorizing Drag Con was not horrible then damn you need help with him

[@planet.marcel]

​@@trinatilson3502I'm new to the drag race stuff and all the controversy was the assault on Tati talked about anywhere??

[@YenneferStark2]

Those clips at the S2 DragCon panel broke my heart. The show, the fans, the judges (especially Michelle) and Raven + Morgan all did Tyra so dirty. Wow.

[@sandra-jones]

Don't leave out Morgan...

[@CarlosGarcia-ds9dn]

Seeing that video no one can argue that they treated him horrible. Very uncool thing for them to do in front of the fans.

[@codyrikerbr]

And don’t they usually sit the winner in the middle of those panels? Am I just imagining that?

[@h3lloh3llo]

him sitting at the end awkwardly smiling thru the embarrassment and being dismissed. Raven in the middle eating it all up. Awful!

[@sandra-jones]

@@codyrikerbr no you are not imagining this. This was carefully orchestrated and choreographed. But Raven is a beloved queen so she gets away with everything...

[@marqueamore8467]

Thank you Joseph for giving James the opportunity to share his story. This interview is iconic.

[@Jaded42O]

Being an introvert doesn’t mean that you don’t have a personality, or that you can’t be social, but that social interaction drains you. I’m an extrovert who’s energized by social interaction. Extroversion doesn’t mean social, and introversion doesn’t mean anti social. So many ppl get it confused.

[@incntnito4379]

See if you watch season 2 of drag race, it’s scary how far Tyra was ahead of her time and the other girls. She’s got an extra something that we rarely see on drag race

[@Iggysluckytonite]

Tyra is one of those queens of an early season that was bringing S15 level of drag and elevation. SO ahead of her time

[@daashazireael6613]

Seriously. I rewatched it and was blown away

[@incntnito4379]

@@daashazireael6613 Like in the little dance numbers and stuff she is miles away from the other girls, so so good

[@czhaok]

Tyra wore a few pretty dresses and could do her own makeup, that's about the extent of it. Personality of a wet mop, doesn't exist

[@dbgreene9020]

@Iggysluckytonite so true. I think James doesn't want to be referred to as a queen though. Love King Tyra!

[@pembrokelove]

I just want to thank you and see how great it is that you were doing this, if no one else has said it yet. James has done a lot of very bizarre things, but they also were crowned in a time when nobody was talking about how toxic the fandom was. James was treated so unfairly and it's not terribly surprising to me that he was driven to near madness. He deserves a second chance to get his mental health in order and find new avenues for his art. He's not Sherry fucking pie, he's a kid who got way too much attention, much of it vitriolic and racist, with no help on how to manage it.

[@Purpleppleater42]

I couldn’t agree more!

[@iandean1112]

James was 22 (I think) when he won S2. Imagine being proud of yourself for something so special just to be torn down by bitter fans that couldn't stand him. It would absolutely ruin me. He's only in his 30s now, and that abuse from his 20s probably still hurts.

[@veniceviolet16]

They made a bomb threat like how has this person not been erased from drag race memory.

[@lisamac1986]

@@iandean1112 also from fellow drag queens and Michelle

[@yckfides5613]

PREACH 👏🏻

[@123HappyMad]

I’ve never truly understood why they treated Tyra so wrong. They literally exiled her. She deserved to win. RIGHTFULLY SO, and everything has been so misconstrued. She’s really a kind soul.

[@D0ntTickleMe]

the real personality came out ofter the season. The online threats and general nastiness isn't a rumor if all the messages exist & fans read it all. I happen to know a person whose worked with the show since the first season, and Every single contestant has their words misconstrued, falsely edited, and/or taken out of context at some point. Every season there's several people who claim their quotes and soundbites are edited in such a way that they aren't accurate.

[@Alissandre_Iskander]

​@@D0ntTickleMe was this before or after the racism and death threats toward James and his son?

[@lust3390]

Because she treated everyone on the show like shit. Producers, camermen, '5 minute guy', the other cast members. The only people she was ever even mildly decent to was the judging pannel but most of the cast mates don't share it because of the amount of hate she already was getting at the time. There is a major reason why Tatianna told the judges she was a "complete bitch" behind the scenes and why everyone else on the stage aggreed with Tatianna's point, she was an asshole to literally everyone behind the scenes and extremely difficult to work with which is more headache than it's worth when you have a choice of 4-5 other queens that can do the same job minus the shitty attitude and difficulty. She even treated the heads of WoW like shit (not that they're great bosses to work for) when they would ask her to show up for appearances. The show runners begged her for literally 2 years straight after her win to do things for them, like the reason she wasn't in Drag U is because she DECLINED to participate a fact she blatantly leaves out in this interview. If I was an employer and I kept calling a specific staff member to show up to work and they kept saying no everytime after he first few declines I would stop asking entirely which is exactly what WoW did with Tyra after she treated them all like trash. I don't agree with the david garbage, his blackfishing or his racist ass grindr profile or the 'raven was robbed' narrative. However Tyra was given every opportunity after the show to be involved with the things WoW was doing and after treating everyone like garbage and refusing to do what was asked of her they stopped inviting her to things and went with david because he always agreed to pretty much anything that was asked of him. I feel a lot of sympathy for what Tyra has gone through due to the 'fandom' harassment and I would never ever agree with sending hate comments or death threats to a person, however lets not pretend Tyra didn't pick every single option to bring about the ruination of her career upon herself. It literally CANNOT be everyone else's fault but her own. As a wise old saying goes “If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole”.

[@watchnlearn4362]

@@Alissandre_Iskander it was definitely after the racism, death threats and ostracizing - but that won’t be said out loud because it means people owning up to their own prejudices and anti-Blackness.

[@a.b.c.x.y.z.2967]

Maybe fans taking drag too seriously 🙄

[@alyssagamberella5194]

I had NO idea about any of this! Became a DR fan in the sixth season and always wondered why Tyra quit and everyone was so shady towards her. Thank you for bringing this into the light! And thank you James for sharing your side❤

[@torybias9564]

Kinda shocked how people don't remember that particular DragCon panel. That was one of the most humiliating panels I've ever watched. The fact they would set that up is the epitome of racism, as James was an EXCELLENT drag queen on his season of drag race. I urge viewers to think about the cause of James 'behavior': the dragcon panel, the death threats, his cast insulting him in every moment, people celebrating Raven's mediocre drag race run. I'm not sure if he'll address this, but he was also suicidal as well. What I will say is I'm proud that people are speaking up and supporting this talented artist. It's been long overdue!

[@marzdelval84]

Agreed I remember thinking the same thing years ago

[@Richard-eb9sg]

I remember that! It was so embarrassing! I would be angry also!

[@castevilla8240]

People are super picky when they want to remember something, that panel was just wrong in many ways you could see the faces of some of the queens there when some of the questions popped

[@PyroBowser]

I was at that panel and asked the question whether James would go back for an all winners season right after the Raven was robbed question. Seeing how WOW abused James, how Raven doesn't own their contribution, and how fans eat it all up, James's response makes sense. Also seeing how Luxx is treated right now, reveals how the fandom hates confident black queens

[@PyroBowser]

also when they brought Raven back for the all winners season, I was so upset. whoever keeps doing this needs to stop

[@GlobalDrag]

The fact WOW included Raven in the All winners season really shows how right Tyra is about production!

[@jmann6130]

That was WOW basically erasing Tyra from the winners circle and giving it to Raven which I’m genuinely pissed at because if it just goes to show even if you win your season and production doesn’t like you for a fickle reason they will find a way to make everyone forget you!

[@grote__julia]

But Raven being in the All Winners season was a quick joke that resolved itself before the competition even kicked off?!

[@jmann6130]

@@grote__julia It gave some validity to the people saying Raven was robbed so her being paraded in to mingle with the other winners even as a joke still read as shade against Tyra to me

[@grote__julia]

@@jmann6130 if she had stayed and competed, I could see it from your point of view. All Stars 7 aired 12 years after Season 2 and you think this is avout Tyra? In those 12 years, Raven became a winner of her own. She became RuPaul's personal make up artist and she hosted her own reality show, in addition to doing many other amazing things. Despite those things, it wasn't enough for her to compete with the actual winners. It was clear that it was a joke to confuse the other winner queens and it was resolved in the first few minutes. There is no evidence to show that Raven was in that premiere to shade another queen. If they let her compete with the winners, maybe, but they didn't.

[@trinatilson3502]

@@jmann6130 I think when Rupaul said "What part of ALL WINNERS do you not understand" it did not validate Raven as the winner. Did you watch it?

[@daisywatkins5778]

I never hated King Tyra. I could see the attempts that our circle tried to villianize him. He did clap back, and that was a mistake, but never saw him as a bad person. I'm actually tearing up seeing him doing so well. He really wants to press the fact that he's separate from his drag persona and that's ok. I'm so glad to hear his side too.

[@mle6501]

Why was it a mistake to clap back? Was he supposed to fall in line like a good little boy?

[@debscom2]

Great interview! Tyra was bullied and the powers looked the other way. James is a very strong individual and I wish him and his well.

[@HeyRay301]

Well done, Joseph! Nice to hear and see James. You did an excellent job of making James feel comfortable and safe throughout the interview, which allowed him to open up to us.

[@queenmemesupreme3264]

It... Was ... Very good....

[@TimothyMorigeau]

I met James at a bar in SF years ago before a show and didn’t realize at first who he was since he wasn’t in drag. He was really sweet and waved at me too later during the show. I hope the best for him.

[@computasaysnoo1]

That’s so sweet❤

[@GOONANDBATE]

Lol

[@AnimeGirl8792]

Tyra won but everyone in the fandom even the judge and production didn’t support her. Sadly Tyra is one of the queen that was push to the edge and left the drag scene. I had briefly meet her at dragcon she so beautiful and so nice. I have a soft spot for Tyra and watch whatever James is on.

[@firouz256]

There was a lot of jealousy and envy involved in his demise. You could clearly see that he managed to do drag effortlessly and has a sophistication that can't be taught when in drag. I really liked his laid back confidence and out of this world beauty from the beginning. He is obviously traumatized from mobbing, online hate and harassment from the community. You can see it in his body language...possibly even trauma from the time before Drag Race. We don't talk about the connection between discrimination, mental health and mobbing in the gay community enough! We in the LGBTIQ Community are nasty to each other!

[@kkibela]

Nailed it .. effortless natural sophistication. You can't fake that and people get instantly intimidated

[@bkteacherret5548]

James is clearly a person of massive creativity and complexity. It is also clear he holds a great deal of pain, and perhaps sees the world through that prism, which may account for some of his more, shall we say, impulsive actions. Tyra is something beautiful he created that I will always admire. There is no doubt he was a worthy winner. I wish him peace and success. Thank you, Joseph, for giving him a space to tell his story from his own point of view.

[@wishful_makeuping]

So we’ll said. Only support & true Love to King Tyra ❤❤❤❤so many more years of art, growth & a beautiful Life for him & his Family🌈🌈🌈✨✨✨✨

[@GOODdeels]

I don't think it's fair to characterize his actions as "impulsive". Tyra didn't start responding to hate until years of being harassed, disrespected and blackballed. People have their limits and Tyra had reached her point at that time.

[@cocosmom2852]

@@GOODdeels he was nasty on the show and right after people having amnesia about this is weird af to me lol

[@epiccollision]

@@GOODdeels I guess you can see only what you want to see.

[@epiccollision]

@@cocosmom2852 exactly, stated something he couldn’t finish.

[@Satrina777]

Can we also talk about the fact that the WINNER, like it or not, chosen by Ms. Paul herself, was seated AT THE END of the table. The only black queen on the panel, THE WINNER, at the end of the table. Not a good look. EDIT: I realize this was a season 2 panel and that Mystique & Shangela might not have shown up of their own volition, but again, the fact that she was seated at the end while Raven got front and center is gross.

[@Jbeanz2023]

That part! All of it!!! I don’t think that would fly in 2023.

[@TheMop-yl9wr]

Damn I just realized they only included all non-black queens and Tyra just to make fun of her

[@JDUCSUDMU38948]

and that raven was late and STILL got the middle seat rather than one pulled up on the side

[@Satrina777]

@@JDUCSUDMU38948 that part

[@Cuentaparaperdereltiemp0]

Well… she sat first from left to right

[@medievalxsovereign]

All the love to James and I am EXTREMELY heartbroken and disappointed by all the enablers who permitted this abuse to continue. Y'all know who you are.

[@tonybalony1811]

If Rupaul wanted Tyra to win, why didn’t she protect Tyra?? She just went ghost. That’s so messed up.

[@ezequielmca4385]

Rupaul defended Tyra when the so call "go and kill yourself" incident with the hateful fan. You can see that she, Merle and Santino loved Tyra. But in one episode Santino said, "the problem with Tyra is all the girls hate her"

[@DietMountainDew_]

@@ezequielmca4385pretty sure they said that about Tatiana too🙁

[@stinameaner]

​@@ezequielmca4385Mere didn't like Tyra she said if it was up yo her she would be out of the competition

[@kkibela]

​@DietMountainDew_ and both of them are absolutely naturally flawless with bodies that can't be faked. They thought we didn't notice

[@anthonyblocker97]

I’m SHOCKED at the Michelle Visage part…very unprofessional honestly for her to make mention of a past winner needing to be reevaluated and reselected…that’s when it’s time for a pageant answer. Tyra did slay her season and that’s why she won. I started watching the show in 2017 on Hulu starting from season 1 and it really helped me come out and accept myself. Especially seeing the first 3 winners being POC, from a show made by a black drag queen super model of the world ❤❤ it inspired my lil gay heart and helped me really accept and love myself. So it kinda sucks to see Michelle had made those comments several times and hasn’t even apologized to my knowledge. Tyra was truly getting bullied from all sides and with zero backup or recognition. So sad

[@carlpacheco2058]

When Pulse shooting happened, Michelle Visage was defending the Islamic terrorists, that’s the kind of person she is, she is sick and vile

[@peraman2022]

Tyra did the best overall in her season. Raven was in the bottom twice and didn’t win the most challenges.

[@eoiny]

Michelle, and many of the early queens, were incredibly mean towards Tyra and it’s only recently they’ve taken the high road because their original behaviour would get huge push back from the fans.

[@trinatilson3502]

Is there any proof that Michelle said any of this tho hmmmm

[@anthonyblocker97]

@@trinatilson3502 it’s literally referenced in the video if you actually watched it. Joseph cited the source where you can read the article. takes all of 5mins to do your own research rather than come off as dismissive 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ericakane9604]

James have been treated horrible from the jump. So sorry that happened to him. Period. Point. Blank. Thank you Joseph for this interview.

[@kuumih0]

its so sad how Tyra at the beginning didnt do anything wrong. Was treated as the villian by fans because they favored Raven who was arguably more toxic on their season. Eventually "becoming the Villain" everyone wanted her to be. I'm glad people are looking back and calling out the terrible fandom and in a way giving Tyra her flowers and redemption shes incredibly talented and deserves the love and support

[@chrisss_cl]

What sucks even more is that he endured all of this before social media blew up. It was harder to defend yourself without your words being tooken out of context. Twitter and Fb just started to blow up. Today the queens have platforms, spaces where they have so much more to work with like KZbin, Instagram,snap chat, media etc. they get to defend themselves in a much better way at a time where everyone’s more “woke” and “honest”

[@xxmalikmurderxx]

So much respect for James after seeing this, I fully understand why he acts how he acts. Him blocking people immediately is a defense mechanism so that he wouldn’t be bombarded with more and more hate from the fandom and trolls. We really all need to extend more grace and compassion towards him and support KT as well

[@jojoindigo]

When James talked about his mom and how he feels around her I broke down crying. I used to feel so guilty for always being on edge or aggravated with her. Currently going to therapy to figure out why I’m like this. It’s a lack of trust and all the pain she caused me but I can tell my mother is trying to make up for lost time and it’s hard for me to figure out if I should give her a chance or not

[@lumilnate2530]

hey gurl, everything will get better!!

[@noraaalt]

I’m in the same boat, and I’m sorry you have to go through this too. My mom is always trying to patch things up but her end goal always feels like it is central to her absolving herself of guilt. Not central to forming an open, loving & accepting relationship. I finally told her 2 months ago that I didn’t feel comfortable being around her & she said ‘I thought we’d been over this already.’ I haven’t talked to her since and though it sucks, it feels better than masking 24/8. My best advice to you with giving her a chance is this: set boundaries around the things that she does that makes you uncomfortable. If she disrespects them or doesn’t even seem open to listening to them, it’s a lost cause. They have to want to work at it - and if that isn’t apparent in their approach, you’re going to waste so much gas attempting to accelerate when it doesn’t even have wheels.

[@ryanhynnes2867]

I had the same reaction. I cried for myself and also for James. You can easily see the trauma he has lived through and how much he needs love and respect.

[@avgolden1974]

I adore King Tyra! He deserved to win because he remained focused throughout the whole contest. 💯 I wish they would have talked about his godmother in the drag world.

[@angelicaterry3367]

you did an incredible job interviewing James. Thank you for your kindness. I love it and have always loved and hoped for the best for James.

[@SuperEmilio2011]

Every receipt along with every statement, JS your approach to this interview is great.

[@YenneferStark2]

This!!

[@ginarickicki8586]

This is such a fucking important point.

[@roymoreno3767]

Thank you for letting us hear James' feedback to some rather hard questions. I respect him for his art, his craft and his sincerity and honesty for being "blunt" about it...I wish him and his son the VERY BEST of EVERYTHING...and James...YOU ROCK bud...;)

[@devinngeorge]

I love how empathic the comment section is toward Tyra. It's amazing seeing the understanding from them.

[@mariakristina6852]

One of the most beautiful queens to ever stepped into drag race, one of my favorite queens ever!! Tyra did stuff and looks that were completely ahead of time. In fact she was the first one to do 3 looks in one but no one has ever noticed, her wedding dress was phenomenal, she killed in in the acting challenges and was never in the bottom.She deserved to WIN!! and It’s extremely sad how they treated her and we still see how WOW treat the black queens I’m so happy she back. Joseph Shepherd it was really nice of you to give King Tyra a voice ❤❤

[@dgkingmusic]

And you handled this interview with the utmost professionalism and provided such a brave space for the conversation. Bravo Joseph!

[@sswbbgig]

I love the excited energy coming off of James. I absolutely adore him. We have all done messy things in the past that luckily weren't broadcast to the entire world, and nobody knows the trauma James had to face at the hands of the drag race fandom.

[@ademers03]

People don't seem to understand how scary it is to be face to face with someone (or a group, company, whatever) that abused you. It's visceral. I wish James never "gets over it" and go to back to WoW. James deserves better things in his life than always being asked about RPDR and WoW. Encourage his future and his new endeavors.

[@theblackharrypotter5586]

Finally, real fans knew what happened. His story deserves to be told. He won.

[@gabrielesperanza]

he's in the right to feel a certain way towards the network that crowned her and never acknowledged her. good for her.

[@bcuriel2010]

He*

[@Insulindependantfati]

Great interview! Nice to hear Tyra’s side and it has really helped me realize what he was going through and why he acted the way he did. I’m happy he decided to come back and share his art.

[@jermainemouzon4909]

I think that panel was a slap in the face for Tyra. I feel as the winner she should have been front and center.

[@JoshuaHubbardmedia]

This is devastating, I can feel the hurt, I hope she gets a redemption even if its outside of the show.

[@iandean1112]

I'm so excited for this. He is so interesting to me, and I'd love to hear more of his perspective.

[@Malfoy1594]

James doesn't use They/Them pronouns.

[@marckid93]

Say Him. Not every lgbt person isnt obsessed with They/Them….

[@Malfoy1594]

@@marckid93 This! Also James literally has He/Him/His on his Instagram because he vehemently says he despises being called Queen or She or anything besides He/Him.

[@iandean1112]

​@@marckid93 I was unsure of which to use between Tyra/James. I used they to not fuck up.

[@BFFR5150]

@@iandean1112 don’t worry you didn’t mean anything by it & don’t need to explain yourselves to angry internet incels looking for any excuse to try getting attention by being assholes to other people.

[@vulturedancer]

This was an EXCELLENT interview! Wish James well on the rest of his life!

[@tabu42able]

I met James Ross aka Tyra. Very pleasant and nice. This interview was very informative. James did a Great job explaining his Journey

[@themaestrohb9529]

I love Tyra period. I use to do drag and auditioned for drag race , but I saw how she was being treated and decided it wasn't for me. I met her once briefly. We were at a club back then called Valentine's in Tampa and she was alone. I kept her company until her people came back. I remember when they came back I told her it was nice meeting her and I was going to go ahead and jump out of her bubble. She was so appreciative. I understand where she's coming from and her like me left drag because it gets to be a lot. I DJ locally now and it's the same thing as when I did drag.

[@a.b.c.x.y.z.2967]

What's the routine for a DJ in a local club? 🔍

[@shaihulud2977]

King Tyra absolutely deserved to win, totally slayed his season. And was the most gorgeous one there. I absolutely hate the way Wow and the fandom treated Tyra. And they’re still doing it. I was livid when they did a gag with Raven at the beginning of All Stars 7. Disrespectful!

[@anthonyblocker97]

Same!! They’re really pushing this “Raven was robbed” narrative. Wasn’t Raven in the bottom maybe twice?? I don’t think Tyra was in the bottom once but please correct me if I’m wrong. Tyra did amazing, her attitude was a bit off-putting to some people but there was a great air of CONFIDENCE in herself. If drag queens can’t deal with another queen being loud, they shouldn’t be drag queens…literally the dressing rooms can be chaotic

[@masync183]

@@anthonyblocker97 tbh i think We Have an Idea about what The Exact problem was...

[@epiccollision]

@@anthonyblocker97 RAVEN WAS ROBBED! Happy? It goes both ways, we remember Tyra…

[@anthonyblocker97]

@@epiccollision and I would be happy becauuuse..??🤔🙄

[@CarlosGarcia-ds9dn]

Great interview Joseph! Very drama free, judgement free, nice to hear his side of the story…away from the negative fandom that we know exists!

[@Rocketman90953]

I met James years ago in va beach. We worked for the same club.. he would find a corner and sit and just watch.. he was super quiet and shy but he was always kind! Especially to the customer that were special needs for a little bit different. He was never drunk or even drinking if I remember correctly. I remember sitting and just talking about nothing… and even that club did him wrong and he was abruptly let go. I never really knew all the details because I was getting ready to ship to the army! I do remember It made me look at the owner completely different after!

[@azizkhorasi]

The way the fans turned him into the villain of the season is beyond me. I remember watching season 2 and thinking the mean girls were Raven, Morgan and Sonique. And honestly Tyra brought it every runway so I don’t get how Raven was robbed 🤷‍♂️

[@melaninmonroe007]

I can’t imagine being 22 with all eyes on me and experiencing that level of hatred and toxicity. With no one in my corner. I’m just happy he made it across to the other side. There’s still growth to be made but isn’t that the truth for all of us?

[@Mijosrevenge]

What's sad about Tyra's story is that nothing has changed. NOTHING. This is still happening to this day to queens like luxxx and mistress.

[@jackhitchcock8060]

No. Luxx and Mistress are bullies. Has nothing to do with racism. They are bullies who try to validate their bullying by saying they are shady drag queens and therefore it should be OK. No, it is not OK.

[@kellybuzby4752]

That part. People can be so rude.

[@cocosmom2852]

Mistress ? I thought this was all about race? Bffr ppl r entitled to their opinion if u don’t want to be criticized don’t be on a competitive television show lol so rediculous

[@kodykrystynak2690]

​@Cocos Mom there is a BIG difference between being "criticized" and receiving thousand of hate tweets and DMs. Being on a competition show does not mean you deserve to be treated like shit. I cant with people like you....no one should have to explain to someone why people should be treated with dignity and respect.

[@abacus912]

Except Tyra would have reservations about Luxx's no boob approach to drag lol

[@trae_the_Arrogant89]

Wow!! Tyra was my favorite back in season 2 (kind of all time) this interview was very needed

[@DelTreesce]

King Tyra’s story is the “black print” of the racist, toxic, and manipulative tactics used by the production team and fans. Throughout the years, ever-so-slowly has Black queens’ experiences on the show have been highlighted, or discussed at all (i.e. Jasmine Masters, The Vixen, Roxxxy Andrews, and most recently Luxx Noir London] Each season, more Black queens have come forward and yet KING TYRA has been going thru this since the BEGINNING; being so young, a parent, on their own - my heart aches her reign was never respected! I am not comparing any of the Black queens’ experiences, only acknowledging that King Tyra deserves to be heard, understood, and respected,

[@sswbbgig]

and CONGRATS to you James on your sobriety from alcohol, I have been sober from alcohol since 2020 and it has changed my life.

[@alinaarachnaphobic]

Good job babe 🤗 sobriety is hard!

[@eduardogonzalez8626]

I met you both at Club Tyra in Los Angeles... you two are AMAZING!!!!! Love you guys.

[@JosephAShepherd]

So good meeting u!!!!!!

[@GlowlightBae]

I remember the first drag show I ever went to back in 2019 was at "TEN", A bar in Atlanta. Tyra was performing there. i was so excited to see Tyra. i leaned in for a hug & got the hug, i wanted to ask for a picture but i got so nervous & instead just said "omg yur so tall"😭

[@tomkoln7318]

What a nice way to get to know him. Thanks! What I'd like to have known more how and why the introvert got up on stage. Sending love from Germany

[@leroywilliams2391]

I can't speak for Him (Tyera), and if you don’t mind me intervening. As a performer and introvert, it's a means of emotional and artistic expression and sometimes a confidence builder. It's the human connection that's draining, not the stage. I hope this helps. 😘

[@alejandrom0725]

This was so insightful and I’m so glad James agreed to do this interview. I loved hearing his perspective and it sounds like there are so many creative ideas that he wants to share with the world and I’m absolutely here for it! Wishing him the best! ❤️

[@ovictorsr]

I truly hope he gets the flowers he should've gotten on S2. His treatment by the fandom wasn't fair and everyone owes him an apologize for that, everything he has done after that is just a reflection of where the fandom put his mind with all the hate.

[@TruthOverLies999]

This made my day I was just talking about King Tyra and wanting her to receive her flowers for the history she created. Everything comes to the light

[@andytram08]

What an amazing interview! Thank you James for sharing your life journey and experiences! ❤

[@JadeyChi]

I can totally relate to being an introvert who can turn it on but needs cool off time. If I'm on for a night I need a day to recover

[@fairycloudz315]

Thank you for bringing King to your show. This is a leading example of being compassionate towards queens who may be problematic. We cannot take a reality show too seriously because it's how WOW producers , the fandom, and other queens can destroy people's lives! Many queens have been outspoken on the double standard that exists in the queendom of drag race, putting queens of colour under a lot of scrutiny when white queens are praised. I got to watch S2 when it aired, and it was really easy to dislike Tyra during her season, especially because it was obvious that she was Rupaul's fave. But that is the result of careful and purposeful editing to incite certain feelings about the contestants. It's literal gaslighting! Anyway, Joseph you're awesome for doing this. Good to see James

[@TheEpitomeofSass]

The next exposed HAS to be with Robbie Turner now. Excellent interview, Joseph!!!

[@gus.4402]

World of Wonder really missed out on this gem. Love you, James!

[@ladybize7498]

I'm so glad to hear King Tyra's story. I rooted for Tyra during Season 2 and still rooting. ❤❤❤

[@oscarsoto8428]

Finished the video. Thank you Joseph for this interview, and thank you James Ross for providing your side of the story. There were many KZbinrs who commented about how WOW never seemed to feature you in anything YEARS before the Drag Con incident, and I SPECIFICALLY remember when the "RuPaul Queens Read Mean Tweets" came out, and remember thinking "Man, they only had 1 cut of Tyra?!" I'm glad a lot of what KZbinrs speculated was true, and very good of Ross to set the record straight in that she was NOT banned, just told not to come if she didn't apologize. Expressing wanting to throw down with other queens is probably not the best thing to do, but Kandy threatened to beat someone on camera during Season 13, but she still running the circuit. Not trying to put down Kandy, just saying it's a double standard that was thrown on Ross, but not applied equally (probably because, as Ross pointed out, WOW never liked her anyway.)

[@NoMadKid]

Tyra, PhiPhi, Vixen and all the ones who got wronged should go on the “villains” tour.

[@awkwardtpodcast9546]

Wow this was a really incredible interview. I hope all the dragrace fans take a listen

[@vinnym5607]

King Tyra is a fascinating person and the talent is undeniable. I sure hope to see more of him in the future and hope Club Tyra is a success.

[@kellybuzby4752]

I miss her so much. I was rooting for her to win. She had the most growth and she had amazing looks and talent. She didn’t deserve to get cancelled

[@thecrescentsalon]

I really appreciate this! James I wish you an abundance of healing

[@obibraxton2232]

This is the first full interview I’ve watched on this channel I’ve been anticipating a sit down with James aka Tyra Sanchez and idc what anybody has to say TYRA SANCHEZ is very much a part of Drag Race History and will always be. Many of the points discussed here I was aware of already but seems world of wonder, produces, wow presents and even Michelle Visage aswell as many of her fellow contestants and peers deffo worked against her BEFORE Tyra even said or did anything problematic and that episode effect anyone mental ! Kmt. Tyra deserves redemption and my one true hope is that world of wonder pull their fingers out their butts and cast Tyra on the next All winners give them a favourable edit and maybe they win again and are introduced to a whole new fan base.

[@_irateswami_]

Justice For James and Tyra. WOW has so many law suits coming for just mental abuse alone. I am so happy to see James anywhere, anytime

[@HeliosHyacinth]

This is eye opening. WOW decided to defame this person because they didnt act as the perfect circus animal.

[@Kurtoise100]

This interview was incredible. Really well done. I wish both King Tyra and James all the best and I hope more people who claim to love drag start treating you with the kindness you deserve.

[@shantel7434]

i really appreciate the opening message!!! while it may seem corny or cheesy to some, it’s just a great reminder of the community and discourse you want to foster

[@johnathansalas5767]

From season 2 I was always impressed at the level of drag King Tyra gave. The details were always right. And their type of drag is much needed right now. Love the new queens too, however let's see what King Tyra gives us in 2023 and beyond. ❤️

[@evianamorales]

Thank you for a great interview Joseph! Thank you for making this a safe and comfortable space for James. Hearing him speak about what he's been through throughout his life and in the drag world just broke my heart. Literally crying here. Love you James! ❤️

[@aaliyahkhan215]

This interview is fantastic! Love love love James & Tyra🫶🏾