Real Lawyer Reacts to Exposing Rupaul's Drag Race Contract

[@LeejaMiller]

YALL I SAID TRIXIE MATTEL. TRIXIE. MATTEL. I JUST TALK TOO DAMN FAST. STOP TRYING TO STEAL MY 2% OF DRAG RACE KNOWLEDGE. love u bye.

[@veo_]

You can also call her Tracey Martell, or anything that rhymes with Trixie Mattel and sound like a real insider. She is amused when people get her name wrong, and Tracey is the customary introductory nom-de-plume. Not joking! It's Tristin Maxwell approved!

[@VikkiRococo]

i don’t get it, i heard “trixie mattel” both times lol

[@jackal242]

No... it's pretty clear you said, "Tracey Mattel." hahahahah

[@veo_]

@@jackal242 Whatever, Trisha Mandel would respond to it all the same.

[@TheMistressMisery]

@@veo_ I dunno, we're moving oddly close to Tatiana Mondeau now xD

[@NicAyBear]

"Being a drag queen is a specialized, highly technical form of labor." Love that.

[@JC-yy8iv]

It really is and I’m so impressed and pleased that she recognizes this, despite seemingly not being too terribly familiar with it. Not many people outside of the drag world understand that. But it’s not like you can just start doing drag tomorrow and be good. It takes a long time to be any good, and it’s so many different skills one has to master- everyday queens have to be a skilled makeup artist, hairstylist, wardrobe stylist (and sometimes clothing designer), dancer and performer, and generally a skilled MC as well if you want a steady gig that lays your bills. I love LOVE seeing someone who isn’t particularly close to drag who understands that drag queens are skilled workers whose labor has value.

[@stefk1225]

That was really creepy how I read your comment at the same time Leeja said that sentence lol

[@chloewebb5526]

Best description ever

[@thatfishguy4991]

@@JC-yy8iv especially at this level. They DESTROY the emotions of the queens on the show.

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

I am a trans gurl and am both pretty and sophisticated in makeup and deportment but presenting as a Drag Queens is way above my skill set so... yea it is a specialized skill set.

[@ethandrayton9812]

Imagine hiring a lawyer and Bussy in full drag comes out with a briefcase. That would be so iconic!

[@d.prescott4895]

Bussy: [To the judge] "Hi Ugly".

[@deetw6470]

I'd watch that if it was a tv show 🤩

[@penguinablue5202]

ok but hear me out, what if WHAT IF Leeja comes out and then Bussy comes out from the briefcase

[@EstelleLunei]

@@penguinablue5202 I would also watch that show

[@arfreda5912]

@@d.prescott4895 lmfaoooooooooo

[@BubbaRye]

When you said ‘Bussy you should consider law school’ I was thinking to myself Leeja, you have no idea, this queen hits us with complex mathematics on the regular as well!

[@LeejaMiller]

🤩🤩🤩

[@christopherdahl211]

And he’d be a very cute lawyer. Assuming pronouns but as himmmery 😉

[@waddledeedeee]

@@christopherdahl211 his pronouns out of drag r indeed he him n i agree, he cute ngl

[@dr.kikipsychnp5731]

True story! Love her so much. ❤️

[@Octobris]

Briony you are totally right 😆

[@youdontneedtoreadthis]

RuPaul was being interviewed on Ellen's show and he said: "You know who the winner of every season of Drag Race is? It's RuPaul."

[@Gabxlove]

Whaat🤨

[@MissKitae]

It's the absolute truth.

[@elscourou6654]

wow

[@soaribb32]

And that is true, he makes the most money out of it. Let's also add the fracking...

[@thatpopplio9]

@@soaribb32 oh, the fracking?

[@Megh2D]

Okay, here to vote for the crossover collab wherein Leeja quizzes Bussy on law, and Bussy puts Leeja into drag 😎

[@LeejaMiller]

OH SHIT

[@Megh2D]

@@LeejaMiller as mother Ru would say: "aaaaand *don't* f*** it up!" 👻

[@breakerspain]

Im ready for this collab.

[@christopherdahl211]

Here for all of that!

[@shiroi201]

Hahaha i'm here for that!!

[@saraxadam3659]

I always thought Trixie was exaggerating when she joked that she thinks she broke even from the $100,000 win when factoring in taxes and her initial investment...now I know that she very likely wasn't.

[@wasabi.2839]

I think she said she invest $30k on costume to go to All Stars, and after taxes the prize go down maybe $67k or $66k, in the Bussy video he actually have the right amount; maybe besides of the thirty there was other expenses and then, broke even.

[@shyviolets]

@@wasabi.2839 loss of work and cancelling gigs is also probably pretty costly, especially since they've already had exposure from their first time

[@kimmyball4961]

Also notice how her and Katya work for WOW.

[@islandrebelmakeup4653]

Those gowns and wigs alone cost a fortune.

[@areudiva]

Ye, my 38 inch human custom cost me 4k. Lmao, only wig I'll ever ever ever spend that much on. Never again.

[@elysiumsnakefarm1185]

You shading yourself with the editing not knowing how Bussy got the contract was SO GOOD 🤣

[@LeejaMiller]

hahahah I realized as I was editing she literally tells u how she got it O O P S

[@elysiumsnakefarm1185]

@@LeejaMiller you're super funny and sweet, and smart of course! 🤓 I subbed and can't wait to watch more of your stuff! That bobs burgers breakdown is calling my name 👀

[@NavyBTA]

LMFAO

[@trl2151]

Where did Bussy get the contract?

[@akaste4413]

@@trl2151 i would assume she finished the first part of the casting process, hence why that part is edited to be repeated multiple times

[@kylemichaelreaves]

Drag Queens need a union.

[@DocKrazy]

Everyone in the working class needs a union.

[@boyffb]

Willam should start one!!

[@user-vl1tb1xx2d]

An UNHhhhion

[@dr6770]

a Ru-nion

[@advmx3]

"Have you ever considered law school" coming from a lawyer must be the most incredible compliment you can receive, that's amazing actually!

[@SymDeyi]

Just want to point out that this show is NOT the only way to be a drag queen full time. While RPDR definitely has changed the game and stakes in many ways, there are queens who do this as a full time gig. To reach national stardom and parlay it into movie roles and more is extremely hard without this kind of platform but not impossible. All this being said, please support local drag queens. This show would not exist without them

[@vinnymartins5161]

I mean Willam and Kelly Mantle were doing before drag race so it’s just a matter of really putting effort in what you do and a little bit of luck would go a long way too.

[@jesst7117]

for example Aquaria, Kim Chi, and Miz Cracker were already decently popular before doing Drag Race

[@nelliepasternak6842]

Hi! You're right that you can be a full time working drag queen without RPDR. But she didn't say you need to do the show to become a full time drag queen. She said you need the show if you want to rise the level of fame that some of the RPDR girls achieve. Even Willam has acknowledged that he couldn't get the gigs he wanted as an actor because he wasn't well known enough so he went on RPDR. And he said it worked. (See his interview with Joseph Sheppard).

[@eonarts]

Peaches Christ and Heklina from San Francisco are internationally known… They each have their own franchises and for sure would never sign that contract!

[@flippineck2825]

If in doubt, do what Pearl, Courtney & Willam did which is to make Ru hate you so much they have no interest in enforcing the contract or contacting you ever again 🤣

[@hippystranger]

The girls bring their own clothes, makeup, hair, props, shoes, etc. They spend thousands of dollars before getting to the stage.

[@RyokoAsakuraLastFan]

They even used to be responsible for feeding and personal care costs while filming too

[@dardega]

This! And the other sub-comment as well - this! I used to be so mesmerized by the show, watched everything, but then all this exploitative stuff started to emerge. I think, it slowly started with Willams loud mouth, didn't it? And then more queens told about the behind-the-scenes stuff, and Bussy's dissection of this contract is the most recent bomb. It's great that an actual lawyer came across Bussy's video and confirmed that the seemingly problematic contract elements are indeed - problematic.

[@clemermoacir]

@@dardega the girls are being treated way better now that the show went to VH1. I remember that Willam said that Sharon only ate bread cause the production didn't care to find vegan options for her to eat. I'm glad it's better.

[@waddledeedeee]

bringin it back to the op, n as leeja noted, we can all agree that especially with the recent seasons n the standard at which drag race is n will be in the future, its high time to increase the cash prize and/or get paid more per episode. the abyss between the money they spend to even have a shot on the show n what they can get back from being on the actual competition is ridiculous

[@missfleming5465]

Bussy does a good video breaking down the cost for costumes in another video which I found really eye opening.

[@amandacarrier8818]

I wonder how many stellar drag queens auditioned, got past the first part and backed out because the contract is the way it is 😬

[@Juanmaligno]

Not many lol very few review the contract and even less actually understand it

[@morellalizziediamond]

Yeah the first time i read it i was really confused why they want all your rights. At the same time they basically launch your whole career over night.

[@jlbeeen]

Obviously at least one. I know other KZbin and local performers who, when asked, said it wasn't worth it. I don't remember names, and I'm not sure if they actually started the process, or just heard info second hand. Basically you have a chance of being famous, say about a 1/10 chance (going on the fact that winners get the most money but also are more remembered), at the cost that anything featuring you can be sold without another contract. I remember hearing that Leonard Nimoy who played Spock in Star Trek was upset that his likeness was used to sell merch without his consent. Imagine someone else selling your own merch, and owning the rights to anything you make on the show. Yes, most fans would know who you are, but you wouldn't be getting any royalties.

[@lkf8799]

Contracts are negotiable, but I'm not sure they would get away with changing much. Bussy says this contract is a lot more demanding and strict than those in the past seasons. Doubtful that established drag queens would want to give up this much freedom and control of their career (not to mention restrictions on booking gigs, creating/selling merchandise, and having to attend mandatory UNPAID gigs) but baby drag queens probably would sign up to jump start their fame and create a fan base since they might have less to lose.

[@MissKitae]

@@lkf8799 I don't know how many auditioning queens would have the resources or know how to negotiate a better contract for themselves. I mean, in theory the worst Production could say is no-- but they could also use connections to screw over job/career opportunities for the person/people that dared to ask.

[@memento81]

I don't know if you realized when making this but you just created a canonical must see video for any drag queen considering to apply for years and years to come. Great work :)

[@damondominique]

ok YOU are someone i would want as a lawyer

[@jordanwpitts]

Shooting my shot Damon

[@leelafuturama9198]

@@jordanwpitts i'm rooting for you...i feel like I should.

[@jordanwpitts]

@@leelafuturama9198 thank you! Lol he is so fine it hurts 😂

[@jordanwpitts]

@@BooksRebound thank you! No news yet 👀

[@LangugesLearning]

Not the French skinny legend herself watching every video I watch

[@JogiBearRSA]

Worth noting that the contract has seemed to have drastically changed over the years, so contestants in say season 6 or 7 may have signed something completely different and less restrictive.

[@CxAx2]

Can confirm. I saw the contract for Seasons 9 and 10, and they were nowhere near as crazy as they have been for the last 2-3 contracts they've sent out.

[@jackieporteraz]

I’m guessing that since some of the earlier season girls got successful (e.g. Bianca) they wanted a piece of that pie.

[@sylvia5623]

@@jackieporteraz and also maybe they're trying to rein in the queens who call out Ru Paul himself and the show in general for a lot of shady shit.

[@danielt5464]

You are definitely NOT required to watch RPDR to be a “good” ally!

[@wendybutler1681]

But it's so much fun why not watch it!

[@delphinedelphinedelphine]

@@wendybutler1681 because it supports these terrible contracts and it doesn't incentivize WoW/RuPaul to change their approach to the talent that goes on the show.

[@areudiva]

​@@delphinedelphinedelphineuh. Kay lol. They know the contracts. Stop victimizing them lmao

[@LeejaMiller]

Thanks so much to Bussy Queen for this INFORMATIVE CONTENT someone tag her

[@johnphilipfrancisco7453]

Hi just wanna say i luv your hair even if its fried hehe so bootyfull

[@LeejaMiller]

@@johnphilipfrancisco7453 THANK YOU I will never not bleach !!!

[@LeejaMiller]

Also I’d like to thank those of you who have opened mine eyes to the meaning of BUSSY 👀

[@elysiumsnakefarm1185]

@@LeejaMiller 🤣 welcome to the world of bussy drag, gurl lol

[@TheTerrainWizard]

@@LeejaMiller hahahh!

[@Seleste777]

Bussy brought me here and I am sticking around. Love your analysis.

[@LeejaMiller]

THANK YOU!!

[@jackielenarz6334]

Me too!

[@keevsteev]

same. subscribed af.

[@reddoverising7634]

Jepp, joined the club too 😊

[@bl00dbath17]

We need an organized Union for Drag Queens 😶

[@jasoncoats7924]

At the national convention for the Actors' Equity Association recently they passed a resolution to include drag performance as part of their umbrella...don't know if that will go anywhere or carry any weight.. Regardless, that wouldn't necessarily apply here, though since AEA is for stage actors and stage managers. As well, it is somewhere in the contract it explicitly states you cannot be represented by a union so that the queens don't have to have the pay and work accommodations that SAG-AFTRA would mandate.

[@GuiSmith]

@@jasoncoats7924 Yet they have to work with union crew members for filming because it’s filmed in Hollywood. These people know exactly what they’re doing and it’s duplicitous.

[@karlr2908]

This show is like going on MasterChef and they tell you to buy your own ingredients and ask permission before making breakfast ever again... Hell no... Biggest problem is that there isn't any competition to rpdr

[@alexisaguirre5526]

Except for dragula there isn't any directly, however giving how much traction the show has it's wouldn't be weird if others came out with drag content even if it's not in the same format still would be considered competition I think. But the other companies might want a rugirl than a new queen for the clout

[@RyokoAsakuraLastFan]

Waiting for Tamisha to launch her own competing Drag Show, with other Queens freed from WoW

[@joan2296]

@@RyokoAsakuraLastFan i hope she can speak up soon with all the queens who have been mistreated on the show

[@saneira]

so true!

[@IsaacPrinTheNerd]

I can definitely see a non drag race queen like Deere starting her own show on KZbin. It could work in a similar format, with challenges and runways, but you don't have to really make anything, you just go out and try your best, and it's more of a big collab project instead of a competition show. It elevates talented but unknown queens onto a larger platform, with links to the queen's social media. Or hell, why not just showcase a queen by interviewing them, and then they put on a show as an example of their talent? That would be fun! And you don't have to compete for attention then!

[@maly9903]

I've seen a few lawyers reacts but after watching this and checking out your past stuff. I really enjoy the added entertainment value your personality brings and the editing is funny and tasteful.

[@HeyLetsDoAThing]

"We don't like monopolies in this country because we love competition" I wish that were true, but this country LOVES monopolies. Most industries at this point simply provide the illusion of competition. All the wealth is ultimately still being funneled up to the same people.

[@LeejaMiller]

A very good point!!!! We definitely only in theory do not like monopolies in this country

[@domidog4053]

Well, that’s capitalism

[@DollFacePeter]

@@domidog4053 there’s a difference between capitalism and crony capitalism People saving their money, harnessing their talents, and putting that energy into an enterprise to generate a product that people want = capitalism Corporations getting into bed with law makers and having laws made for their benefit at the expense of consumers and other capitalists = crony capitalism It’s a bit more nuanced than rich = bad and poor = good. I think most people intuitively get this but fail to connect the dots. No one thinks of Beyoncé or Lady Gaga as oppressive when they make literally hundreds of millions selling their products or tour tickets. And yeah sometimes it’s difficult identifying measures designed to benefit people but ultimately only benefit big corporations. Wallmart for example, benefits from higher minimum wage and increasingly complex tax codes, because small mom and pop businesses most likely can’t afford higher wages or a department dedicated to tax strategy and meeting their statutory obligations

[@SincerelyFromStephen]

@@DollFacePeter capitalism has a pretty nasty habit of turning into crony capitalism because that’s a pretty natural evolution of the theory

[@OGseoulite]

Well love this country as built off of industrial monopolies

[@AmyValentine100]

I'd never sign that contract. No wonder Willam broke that shit as fast as she could lol 🤣🤣🤣

[@jordantews2368]

William didn't break contract he purposely got himself kicked off the show. Because if they kicked him off he couldn't be penalized for leaving.

[@evacevallos1034]

@@jordantews2368 how do you think she got kicked out? By breaking the contract… the literally explain on the og video!

[@Sunshine4]

But he did drag race (that seemed to be sponsored by WoW) shows after he was kicked off.

[@aksalababy]

Just listening to Bussy Queen explain this contract gave me anxiety and now hearing you validate her explanation made my stomach hurt! I love RPDR but this contract seems so unfair and one-sided. And now it’s hard to enjoy watching the show knowing that the queens that don’t win don’t even get to walk away with their own image and likeness belonging to them. This is gross. And I hope by exposing this contract any queens that sign up to be on the show have an attorney to negotiate and/or have parts removed or rewritten so that they’re futures are protected.

[@davidooo0ooo04]

Tamisha Iman watching this video and googling the word unconscionable like 👁️👃👁️

[@FabiolaRVela]

😂

[@albertomacias5644]

🗣💀

[@ShardOfFire]

IM DEEEEAD. Also outta pocket...you're cuuuuuuuuute.

[@daeliciousohare7135]

Nooo😭💀

[@JustinXD15]

This video ate. I don’t know anything about law but I found it so interesting

[@LeejaMiller]

Yay thanks for watching!

[@tonymounlasy6527]

bussy: hi uglies, it’s me bussy leeja: did he just called me ugly?! 😂😂😂 best reaction

[@mcpotter95]

OMG had no idea how ruthless Ru Paul was to her "girls". Granted she broke the mold with mainstreaming drag, but we are at the point where Ru Paul is running a monopoly on drag as a worldwide art form.

[@dannyperez7456]

Its not rupaul personally cmon

[@Anna-pz9ry]

People acting like network and production execs don't have a say. Okaaaaay.

[@MrStGeorgeIllawarra]

@@dannyperez7456 No, it's not but she's not a victim either.

[@dannyperez7456]

@@MrStGeorgeIllawarra or the villain ...

[@omelette_Doo]

Gotta support local queens!

[@cml4914]

I stopped watching RuPaul because I felt like Queens who just didn't have as much money to spend on preparation were bullied by the judges.

[@LeejaMiller]

Ugh I hate it

[@scottievaldez4194]

That’s why I never really watched it. I watch some episodes since my fiancé does watch parts of it too but, this show gives me abuse vibes every time I watch clips

[@ArinVercetti]

From one (future) lawyer to another, this is the most ambitious crossover I had been anticipating for the longest time. Thank you for your service!

[@seanreardon1165]

Leeja you are so impressive. Why? Because you are able to give credit where it's due. I'm sure you studied long and hard to be a lawyer. So Leeja, being able to see Bussy as an almost equal is encouraging and very kind. Thank you for being a professional.

[@LizzBates237]

I'm so glad Bussy shouted this reaction out! I love Legal Eagle but I've seen all of his videos. BRB to binge all your videos and wait for new ones😭❤️

[@LeejaMiller]

!!!! Thank you for watching!!!

[@hongkongfueynz3071]

We need a GoFundMe to raise money for a queen willing to take this to court, and make it clear to Ru that her exploitation of the people who make this show so popular has to end!

[@GlambyRJ]

You think Ru holds all that power? no. That's WOW and Viacom.

[@lamoskgr]

I would actually donate. Wow can't get away with exploiting minorities while claiming to defend them

[@jayv7006]

Or why don't people just stop watching Drag Race and support other drag projects.

[@youdontneedtoreadthis]

@@jayv7006 what other drag projects?

[@icarlos3640]

@@youdontneedtoreadthis dragula , la más draga

[@aznpika98]

I always assumed that the contracts for reality show/ game show contestants are messed up but this really surprised me ngl. As fun as these shows are, they're are totally exploiting their contestants!!! Is there anything we can do to protect people against these predatory contracts while still giving them the opportunity to be on these types of shows???

[@LeejaMiller]

I think it would have to come down to states passing laws that prohibit certain types of clauses, I’d be interested to see what states like CA and NV have passed as I’m sure they’re pretty common in LA and LV. Largely tho I doubt there’ll be much push for something like that given I think most people would think that it’s just the price of fame/something contestants are willingly entering.

[@HeyLetsDoAThing]

@@LeejaMiller Would there be some way for someone who knows law and isn't part of the drag industry to take the contract to court rather than a prospective contestant having to do it and potentially upending their whole career?

[@kyleenglot9184]

@@HeyLetsDoAThing unfortunately reality tv is not held to the same standard as other Hollywood media. They aren't unionized like actors who work in scripted productions and movies so these reality tv show productions unfortunately are able to get away with a lot of questionable ethics in their contracts.

[@LeejaMiller]

Unfortunately not, there’s this thing called “standing” and you have to have standing to sue over something, so you have to basically be directly harmed because of something before you can sue over it

[@marcosmohamed3046]

I believe that in a not so far away future reality contestants will be seen as entertainment workers rather than just someone that stood in front of a camera. Untill then they will still get strongarmed by these types of contracta

[@luc-i-guess]

As a gay I feel the need to tell you that "Bussy" means... well... a portmanteau for "Boy" and, you can guess the other lol.

[@LeejaMiller]

OMG THANK YOU for opening my eyes 👀

[@LeejaMiller]

I once again deeply apologize for my ignorance

[@LeejaMiller]

Sorry every comment I’m writing sounds sarcastic but I’m serious tysm

[@luc-i-guess]

@@LeejaMiller Hahaha you're hilarious! Your ignorance is acceptable; I can't think of any specific context off internet where you would've heard someone say "Bussy" lmao.

[@LeejaMiller]

I wish!!

[@kevh9610]

If Bussy ever decides to audition for, and go on Drag Race as a contestant she should get Leeja as her lawyer to look over the actual contract then haha

[@gangisspawn1]

This contact is a great example of corporate greed. Basically modern day indentured servitude.

[@louisxvii2137]

Don’t sign it then... you have the choice not to enter into any contractual agreements. It is not “indentured servitude” but the fact that you would dare even make that comparisons is very problematic.

[@gangisspawn1]

@@louisxvii2137 I'm not a drag queen. And it is indentured servitude.

[@robertwilliams3060]

@@louisxvii2137 this is the same logic as “if you don’t want to be beat by cops, don’t commit a crime” insanely ignorant, and as you described, problematic.

[@jayhartbarger2793]

@@louisxvii2137 what it does do is take advantage of the fact that, for now, it is the only venue where a drag queen can become a success overnight. Some streaming networks are working on shows to compete and that could be interesting. And really, can anyone justify the $100k winner amount. That is just sadly cheap.

[@khomqueen1000]

I used to want to apply for the show, but it just doesn't seem worth it anymore. I don't wanna lose full control over my own drag character, and in the UK version, you don't even win money. A lot of drag artists see it as selling your soul.

[@poppinmunchkin]

I reckon the UK version of the contract would be different. It would've been based on EU regulation and should still be quite similar even after Brexit. It might be worth looking into anyway if you're in the UK.

[@khomqueen1000]

@@poppinmunchkin Did you just say the B word?

[@daeliciousohare7135]

@@poppinmunchkin what’s brexit

[@unfurlinglotusflower6939]

@@daeliciousohare7135 it is the UK’s exit from the EU agreement. It means all UK citizens revert back to a UK passport and not a EU passport. Also, trade is no longer open between the UK and European countries part of the EU.

[@asparagoose7626]

Somebody needs to show this to Tamisha Iman 😂

[@RuhanKleynhans]

Hahaha hahaha yes, "I can't wait to see how this turns out" 👀 (FYI, this is a famous drag race quote 😜)

[@joan2296]

i hope Tamisha is safe (legally speaking)

[@marceloreis695]

@@joan2296 what happened??

[@sirdragonmoon7092]

@@joan2296 well i mean if it wasnt for all of this that she would have provably received the cynthia treatment and return on on the next season, however considering her support and the way that season cynthia performed on season 9 would mean that they would have provably tried to give Tamisha the Vanjie treatment (though vanjie did get to the end simply by fighting on the bottom, so i mean less of the favoritism and more of the enfasis on her storyline)

[@markmasary7930]

🤣🤣🤣

[@visuallychase]

Now when my friends blast me for never watching, I’m going to reply, “It’s really just… unconscionable.”

[@lasb6211]

I am sure you meant it somewhat ironically, but I think when you said you are bad ally because you hadn't watched RuPaul's Drag Race is a little harsh on yourself. It’s fine if you are not immersed in every cultural aspect of a community. The lack of watching this show doesn’t make you less of a valuable member. Maybe this just struck me a little too personally because although I consider myself an ally and show my support in many ways, I have never been able to enjoy RuPaul’s Drag Race or any other types of this kind of contest tv. I respect the talent and skill showcased but have never been into the drama that seems to come with reality shows. The high drama, cattiness, and second-hand embarrassment can cause me physical anxiety. So, although I do not support the show by watching it, I do support the people who make and are a part of it and that is why I call myself an ally despite not enjoying this cultural aspect of the LGBTQ community. *Hops off soap box and slowly pushes it away*

[@LeejaMiller]

Hahah totally fair!!! I DEFINITELY experience secondary social anxiety and can’t watch some shows so totally understandable

[@the.manifestation]

I LOVE this comment. I feel the same way. The only way I watched RPDR was by waiting and binge watching it all at once. I don’t watch the Untucked episodes because that’s where most of the drama is and mostly tuned out of any drama as I watched it. It was all irrelevant anyway. But I really agree with not putting yourself down for being apart of a every part of the community. I’m as gay as they come but I’ve never been to a gay pride parade. I’m a socially anxious little babe! However, at the end of the day, I whole heartedly support every gender and sexual identity 💜

[@khloeknievel3874]

My friend is the same way. She’s on the Pride planning committee in our town but she can’t watch the show because seeing the contestants get eliminated makes her sad.

[@iTzJimBoi]

I’m gonna hand out “honorary” ally cards to all who don’t watch RPDR. As a prime member of the LGBTQ community, I barely watch it. Like Adrian, I can’t stomach the drama. Talent? UNDENIABLE. But shade and scripted drama to push the queens’ button during times that are already soul crushing? No, ma’am.

[@kelsonl6084]

@@khloeknievel3874 that’s fair enough.

[@tristanelizabeth7702]

Ughhh love this!!!!♥️♥️♥️ Sidenote: I need need NEED you to do a video talking about the legal aspect of the Nike v. MSCHF conflict and just the overall parameters around independent brands customizing existing products made by other companies etc...all of that!!

[@benjamintic3653]

So an interesting fact. GottMik, a drag queen that was just on drag race season 13 spent more the 60k on all of her looks and makeup for the season. And after the taxes you only get 66k so technicly she could have lost thousents of dollars and because she didn't win this season she lost all that money. But like, Kade (Mik out of drag) is a celebrity makeup artist so he gets payed a lot.

[@LeejaMiller]

Omg interesting. I wonder if the contract had any affect on Kaleb’s ability to make money as a makeup artist? I assume not but would be interesting to know

[@benjamintic3653]

@@LeejaMiller Mik has said that she doesn't have problems and still works normaly. But Tamisha, another queen from season 13 has had few problems with contract. She might have not fully read it, she had problems with getting a strike by wow and then getting threatened because she tried to break the contract.

[@roccomenegazzi3899]

Ain’t mik’s name Kade?

[@benjamintic3653]

@@roccomenegazzi3899 Fuck! I always mess names! Will correct it!

[@Boss-cj6zn]

Heyyy I remember making that same comment about Gottmik having a net gain of $6k if she were to win the season. It’s cool seeing someone else doing the math, and I’m not crazy.

[@haydnsayshi]

This is so interesting! Id love if you examined more contracts like the Survivor contestant contract. After a few incidents throughout the years the contract had gotten more and more detailed.

[@brennicolas3093]

I believe the cash prize has been $100,000 since season FOUR, so it hasn’t went up in 10 years!

[@MrCph2200]

Yep. But at least what Rupaul could do would be paying for the drag queens costumes - or at least a part of it!!

[@Lunatikhex]

It's so stupid Rufrackingpaul could easily offer 500k and not feel it

[@jenjagger6745]

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels. I really love your intro "I'm a lawyer, but I'm not your lawyer" I wish you were!!!

[@yupitsjessbbyx3]

A lot of queens including Ru make jokes about making sure you pay your taxes. I used to go find it funny but now it’s like, yikes World Of Wonder way to throw queens to the wolves

[@sandra-jones]

WOW has absolutely nothing to do with people paying taxes. Are you serious. Everyone in the United States has to pay income taxes. You can blame WOW for a lot of things but taxes are not one of them.

[@Cereal_For_Lunch]

I’m pretty sure winners are taxed on the prize money (so don’t actually win £100,000 after tax - WOW / RuPaul could afford to pay the tax and top it up so the queens walk away with the full £100,000

[@kiddvicious78]

It's because Sharon didn't pay her taxes on the winnings and became a running joke lol

[@sandra-jones]

@@Cereal_For_Lunch I guess they should buy them toilet paper as well or maybe buy them a home or pay off their student loans.

[@yupitsjessbbyx3]

@@sandra-jones I’m not blaming WOW for not paying their taxes. I’m saying that a contract as restrictive as this one, where WOW basically owns their work but they presumably function as independent contractors so they have to navigate these finances on their own, considering the amount of debt just competing entails- it feels like winning the show is more like breaking even unless you manage to diversify your brand, and not winning could be a massive financial burden.

[@anjadekanski3879]

I love how my watching RPDR has brought me to this wonderful content and subsequent binging of almost every video on your channel. Quality entertainment and education about the law system of a country I have never even been in is what I need and you so clearly provide!

[@beckygoody9829]

Someone PLEASE tag Tamisha Iman in at 19:19 because her lawyers failed her since she “claims” she has lawyers review contracts before she signs them yet it seems like that wasn’t the case until very recently.

[@CrystalSki67]

Could possibly be a different contract as well, this is Season 14. But only maybe.

[@sparo_splat]

@@CrystalSki67 I doubt the contract was any different, it doesn't just escalate between two seasons.

[@RNCHFND]

Scamisha is a lost cause. She's too stubborn

[@jarettwilkins6231]

I love THIS. I worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I never realized how entertainment lingo isn't as completely universal as I'd assumed. What a fun throwback :) thanks!

[@aanngguusscclliinntt]

Hey Leeja, there is another show that you should know about that can also give queens a platform to launch their career. It is called Dragula. It's not quite as big as drag race but the Fandom is growing fast and their offering a $100,000 prize for the first time for their upcoming 4th season. It's a bit of a different style of show though, focusing on aspects of filth, punk and horror rather than fishy and campy drag that you see all the time on drag race... apart from that there have been a few queens that have made it big through the use of social media such as Alexis Stone and Juno Birch. But apart from that you're very much right, RuPaul has a pretty tight monopoly on the Drag Race business at the moment.

[@FronkieTheSaltyRat]

Hell yeah I was hoping someone would mention Dragula!!❤️

[@nicolasnamed]

@Angus Mason I've never heard of Dragula but it sounds awesome and a little more my aesthetic than Drag Race. What platforms are the series on?

[@priscillagarcia9856]

Shudder

[@meuhreen_]

i love how shocked she was hearing the cash prize.... just wait until we tell you about rpdr down under or holland lmao

[@dinkledankle]

Or how DR UK prize was getting flown to Hollywood to make a mini-series with the producers(during a pandemic!), and the prizes for challenges wasn't $5000, but a dinky little badge. The couture dress prize for Holland was plain rude, and the prize of $30k/1-year supply of makeup for Australia is better but still pretty bad. RuPaul is greedy as all heck. I only watch the show to support the queens who pretty much gave up everything to be there, though at this point it feels more like mourning at a funeral. For the expense and rights given up, the prizes are _not_ anywhere _near_ worth it. With that contract, it's pure exploitation; the queens can't even properly profit off the fame they gain from being on the show.

[@necroromancers]

Popped on over from Bussy's channel! Was super interesting to see input from somebody who actually practices law, but I was pretty surprised myself too with how easily they followed along with all the legalese upon initially watching their video, I totally agree with you that they should look into law school lmao

[@LeejaMiller]

BUSSY THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN

[@tkmiller_author]

I've heard that if you require too much of a contractor, ie, specific dress, appearance, specific hours, that they cease to be contractors and they are now classified as your employee. I heard this most when the UFC started requiring their competitors to wear the Reebok fight gear.

[@LeejaMiller]

Omg that makes sense I bet you’re right! Maybe I’ll have to get my hands on a UFC contract?? 🧐🧐

[@waiumaad4118]

“Did he just call me ugly 👀” - subscribed !

[@RuhanKleynhans]

I also immediately subscribed! 😂

[@TheBioticMachine]

This was so well done, so funny, so wonderful! I hope your channel blossoms and you get to share your fun personality and really unique perspective with more people!

[@shiroi201]

Hahaha how she went "did he just call me ugly👀" at the beginning sent me😂

[@ethanamazing]

KZbin algorithm worked. I watch Bussy's channel and found this. Subscribed.

[@scorpioigor]

Thank you for the video. I also thought while watching Bussy's video that the queen are expected to spend way too much for the show while paying way too little while simultaneously signing away their rights. Many queens bring extravagant looks to the show that are worth thousands of dollars each, and the judges now expect them to bring this level of quality. I honestly thought that they had more financial aid in order to increase the overall quality of the show, but it seems that the producers still want to create the disparity between the queens that can afford to invest that much in the show and those who are struggling artists. As Bussy points out in the video (or maybe it was in other videos), if you manage to get far in the show and receive good edits (because, yes, the queens have 0 control on how they will be portrayed on the show, which MASSIVELY affects their future gains from the exposure) then RuPaul's Drag Race definitely pays off. Prior to the pandemic, the most popular queens would tour around the world, and even with their tight contracts, they had a huge boost in their careers. However, if you are eliminated on the first episode, then you have essentially invested a lot of money on extravagant outfits that will never be used on the show while still being limited under the contract. Tamisha Iman is a queen from last season that is battling the show's producers because of this very same reason.

[@MobyFitzwilliam]

"Presentation," I believe refers to what the show calls a "runway presentation," so essentially it means the fashion and makeup you present on the runway before deliberation, or any other look you wear on the show.

[@Natarii123]

Another person here from Bussy! I don’t usually comment on things but I wanted to say that I loved this analysis - I am studying law in Australia (I’m in first year) and we are doing contract at the moment and it’s so cool. Ovbs the legislation and case authorities are different but it’s so cool to hear how things work over in Hollywood land lol. I’m inspired to go do my assignments now, but I’ll definitely be watching more from you in future!

[@LeejaMiller]

Aww thanks, thank you for watching and good luck!

[@1Phaedra1]

Came upon your channel because I'm a drag race and Bussy Queen fan, but I'm now completely enamoured with you and have gone back to watch a bunch of your videos! Great work!

[@LeejaMiller]

😍😍😍Aw thank you for watching!!

[@simont390]

I'm kind of amazed you didn't focus on the "throughout the universe" bit more 😅

[@LeejaMiller]

Hahahahah honestly lawyer speak is so dramatic

[@badluckcity]

It's because it's a fairly standard phrase in many contracts, it's just grand-sounding because it's trying to cover all the bases.

[@myaalexander354]

“In perpetuity throughout the universe” covers platforms and territories that don’t yet exist. Hard lesson learned from the rise of streaming and social media: The reason you can’t stream most of your favorite shows from say pre-2004 is because the original contracts back then only covered tv, satellite, in-flight, & radio. It takes forever to go back and clear productions for new platforms.

[@jayhartbarger2793]

@@LeejaMiller Peggy Lee's lawyers taught them the need for it. lol

[@hyejoosbicep8981]

i've been bingeing your videos for like a whole day since you reacted to unhhh as a law student and a fellow unhhh enjoyer you are everything i aspire to be

[@TheIntenseMD]

What I learned: I probably should have a lawyer look at my next contract instead of relying on my lack of legal knowledge and Google. 😂 Great video! ✨

[@emersagro]

I watched Bussy’s vid not too long ago and they stated that back in the season 8 contract (and all the before seasons) they had to bring their own food 😬😬😬i don’t know how anyone can possibly find that fair

[@Angie-aoann]

Welcome to the Bussy Queen fandom! We love her to death. Hope to see more collaboration!!!

[@nigelbattle]

this is so juicy! thank you! ✨❤️💕🌈

[@kyliessave8454]

You know someone doesn't watch drag race when they refer to the show as 'Rupaul' instead of 'Drag Race' 😆 Also, #BringBussytoLawSchool2022

[@zackloveday581]

This was incredibly informative, but delivered in a way that felt easy for someone like myself to understand without any in-depth understanding! I would love to see you continue to look into reality-tv contracts!!

[@killrcupcake2994]

Just a refresher if you're curious, when they're on stage queens usually go by she/her and out of drag they go by whatever their regular pronouns are but people started calling them she/her at all times purely out of habit

[@LeejaMiller]

Amazing I was curious thank you, honestly after doing this I’m v v v interested in properly educating myself on drag culture

[@killrcupcake2994]

@@LeejaMiller that's so nice of you, just keep in mind that there's a (wrong) perception that drag is for cis gay men and some few trans women and nonbinary people due to the casting of this show and how much its humor and some challenges revolve around that demographic/target audience, and because of that, they don't show any drag kings or cis female queens lol the first trans male contestant just happened last season! Can you believe

[@trans_beauty89]

ABSOLUTELY LOVED this video. The almighty algorithm suggested your second SVU reaction video and I love SVU so I watched, loved your video, and then boom magical algorithm suggests a reaction to RPDR video from you. You are hilarious and I love the way you explain law in a simple straightforward way. And Bussy Queen is hilarious as well. Much love.

[@jeanfilho1093]

I'm not a lawyer nor a drag queen, english is not even my first language, but you made this so interesting. i'm already loving your channel

[@Hodric]

I'm a lawyer in a different country and I don't see how a contract like this would be enforceable according to our legal system. Great video!

[@AttnDefDis_]

I'd love to see you get the contract from Bussy and do a follow up vid after reading it or you two do a crossover vid.

[@LeejaMiller]

She may or may not have sent it to me directly 🧐🧐🧐

[@AttnDefDis_]

@@LeejaMiller Oooh, intrigue.

[@jamesvergara795]

@@LeejaMiller monique_i would like to see it.gif

[@rivule]

Leeja: Bussy, have you considered Law School? Me: Omg Legally Blonde reboot starring Bussy yaaasss

[@christineedwards2484]

Lol at $100,000 not being enough... UK queen's win badges.... badges 🤣🤣🤣

[@efolinsky]

They get money to help prepare if they get on, because it's on the BBC cash prizes aren't allowed. Public broadcasting rules.

[@OneLoveRSR]

Who knew that intersecting drag and law would be the key to make me wish I had listened to my parents and became a lawyer?

[@Jacesmith03]

Lol

[@meingott717]

I was shocked when I learned that the queens do not get a costume budget. This show is done so on the cheap to make as much profit as possible.

[@Reninenos]

Ahhh! Bussy Queen needs to know that you did this! LOL This is great! I remember saying on Bussy's video that I wish a lawyer would review the contract and share their thoughts.

[@kelsonl6084]

also, you’re right about the price. In the UK and Netherlands season they didn’t even win any money. In the new Australian season they get 30k. OH PLUS on all stars they have to vote each other out and then the fans come after them. As one queen who ended up winning all stars (so she had to personally eliminate quite a few of her sisters) wrote in her song verse in one of the episodes “100 thousand dollars ain’t that much/to fuck up your mind and all the friends that you trust”

[@yourdadjustcallsmekatya]

alaska thunderfuck 5000 supremacy

[@keevsteev]

i am BEGGING you to find the full contract and do another video. you are thoroughly entertaining.

[@bloodcottoncandy]

Tamisha. Iman. Is. Coming. to thank you For. Your your work

[@andatinyshiver]

She said what she said!

[@FabiolaRVela]

I just hope she doesn’t fight her 😂

[@ryanfgrantjr3009]

@@andatinyshiver Ha ha ha...best damn Tamisha Iman line....and those murder stares wit dat lol

[@TGabes_Gaming]

Coming back to the one that started a great learning journey that I’m now taking with you!! This is my favorite one you’ve ever done. UGH 💗

[@tierraburley6968]

OMG! I've been watching your videos almost since the beginning. Glad to see you're finally making it big!

[@LeejaMiller]

Thank you!!!! V happy the algorithm gods have smiled upon this video

[@posca101]

I love this so much. I was expecting you to complement Bussy on his understanding of the contract technicalities and was overcome with a warm, glowing, warming glow when you did. ❤️

[@dariuspenkauskas2626]

Amazing video, clear and understandable, you explain everything so correct without taking too much time and you are new channel. THIS 👏WOMAN 👏NEEDS👏 MORE 👏RECOGNITION 👏

[@LeejaMiller]

😭😭😭thank you!

[@joeyortiz5059]

Thank you so much for making this video! I’ve been such a big fan of the show for a very long time and found this video extremely interesting I really loved it thank you so much! Sending nothing but good vibes and great energy.

[@HeyItsNovalee]

the part about the contestants losing a lot of money unless they manage to win, basically, is true. juice boxx talked about that after she went home in the first episode of canada's drag race. she was asked if she would go back and she said she honestly didn't have the funds to. because they have to prepare outfits and material for all the potential challenges they might get if they make it through the whole season, so imagine all that gone to waste if you lose out in the first few episodes, having made only 500$ ish for your effort. it's ridiculous

[@ZhongXinabingchilling]

But she got an exposure she couldn t have gotten from anywhere else. I remember some early leaver queens saying sth like as soon as i was announced i arranged booking for the next 6 months, even though i went home after 2 episodes. So i guess u just have to play it smart🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LP-ct9nk]

The “exposure” rarely translates to long term security. 6 months of bookings is not sufficient enough to recoup whatever losses you incurred going on the show and getting kicked out early. With the way drag race pumps out seasons early outs also get forgotten quickly as well so the boost fades

[@doomkoff9932]

First of all thanks for the informative (and entertaining) video! Just wanna say ur right abt them being independent contractors. Coz i think it was trixie who said that after winning 100k, she was left with around 60k due to taxes.

[@RyokoAsakuraLastFan]

*Looks over at Trixie Mattel* Oh, so that's why Ru asked her if Mattel legal ever contacted her

[@jisoochrist]

Aaaaand maybe... that's why her Barbie Color Reveal review wasn't sponsored by Mattel either

[@alecbrown66]

This is a great video, thank you! The Simon Cowell associated shows, like american and uk idol, have also had expose'es that have contracts are equally harsh, twisted and complicated. And, Carrie Fisher used to use the clauses with her star wars contract in her dialogues, that have many of the drag race contract parts raised by Bussy. The most terrible thing is that drag is a very time limited profession, with only a handful of queens doing drag into their mid 40's, and most start off young, doing multiple venues a night for a paltry fee and tips, for 10 or 15yrs before burning out or moving on. Drag race comes along dangling the carrot of more money per episode than many younger queens make in a month, per episode, and the 100,000 dollars - before tax at 300,000 dollars,,and cachet/expectation of being a Rugirl and earning mega bucks. Thats enough to trap the unwary into signing that contract. People are not aware of the drop out rate from drag race, and the burnout and exhaustion entailed in being a big drag race name. Even big drag race personalities like Willam, Alaska, Courtny, and others have gone to court or deliberately broken free from WOW contracts because of the parts raised by Bussy and here. Also,,wily entertainment insiders who have won drag race, allstars, or been major series standouts, like Sharon, Bianca, Della, manilla-jeremy, Alissa, knew what to do to get out of or around the contract. Drag queens have a short shelf life generally, and after years of hard work could find a 1 episode apearence on drag race the highlight and end of their careers. Its not fair or right for them, and a shame that if this contract is real ( willam has commented on Bussy's video, and referenced her own seasons contract), as its a real meat grinder.

[@bigbossjo]

Leeja Miller: "We don`t like monopolies in this country" Me: "So you don't live in the USA?" *confused face*

[@LeejaMiller]

Hahaha fair. IN THEORY we don’t like monopolies in this country

[@josereyes7465]

As a law student here in Paraguay, i loved this video, new subscriber here

[@polthedestroyer]

I work in organized labor in the entertainment industry. This video was both amazing and infuriating. Thanks for posting!

[@LeejaMiller]

Thanks for watching!!

[@Evan-nf8ep]

I didn't expect a lawyer video to be so interesting since I have no interest in law but I enjoyed this! Thanks for the content!

[@hardiksolanki8093]

I have loved the show from the beginning but can't deny the fact that they are literally exploiting these queens and controlling their careers. They haven't even raised the prize money in a decade and still expect queens to raise their game (and their expenditure on drag) exponentially each season.

[@du_zacksclaw]

Ginger Minj was one that was affect by such contract, she just did Season 7 and really didn't want to do All Stars 2, but they made her do it because of contract.

[@goossey2265]

Although you’ve essentially given your opinion, I’d still like to see an updated version once you were able to look through the contract 💪🏼