Claws out in Drag Race premiere

It wouldn’t be RuPaul’s Drag Race without a little bit of drama, but nobody expected seasoned drag queen Minnie Cooper to “tell you my truth” on stage last night at the World Premiere at Sydney’s State Theatre.

“To be perfectly honest I don’t feel like I was shown much respect. But you’ll see it through the season,” she told a shocked David Campbell, who was hosting the event for Stan.

Cooper is one of two older queens in the upcoming second season, but she alluded to the behaviour of younger competitors as being disrespectful.

“Something happens later in the show… no spoilers… it was something that was really important to me and also our community. I felt like I was dismissed.

“For me personally, it was really hurtful.”

She added, “I show young kids respect. I put on a competition, I mentor, I give them hours of my time.

“I’ve mentored 100 kids, for no pay. That is my payback,” Cooper said to a round of applause from the audience.

Her comments came at the end of the night after guests whooped and shrieked at the episode’s frocks and fireworks, preceded by a video message from RuPaul herself.

Season 2 queens from Australian and NZ also include Aubrey Haive (NZ/MEL), Beverly Kills (QLD), Faux Fur (SYD), Hannah Conda (SYD/PER), Kween Kong (SA/NZ), Molly Poppinz (NTL), Pomara Fifth (SYD), Spankie Jackzon (NZ/MEL) and Yuri Guaii (NZ).

Decked in glamorous attire they strut their stuff at the State Theatre and partied into the late night.

Guests included actor Remy Hii, former AFL star Dani Laidley, models Samantha Harris and Simone Holtznagel, singers Jack Vidgen & Alfie Arcuri, Khanh Ong, Ellie Gonsalves, Richard Reid, and Stan ambassadors Roxy Jacenko, Renee Bargh and Beau Ryan.

Saturday 30 July at 4PM AEST on Stan.