Popular drag queen Jade Jolie has come under fire for their* previous role in a Nazi-themed pornographic film, and is no longer defending it.
Jolie was made popular for their role on season 5 of the hit TV series RuPaul's Drag Race, and was one of the first queens on the show to have had worked in sex work before, where they went under the name Tristian Everhard.
In interviews in the past, Jolie has defended their prior work in the field.
“You know, as far as that goes, I’m never going to regret anything I had to do,” they told Boy Culture in 2013. “I had to make life decisions when I was young, to get by, to get to where I am now. So I support everyone. You can come from somewhere like that and to be where I am now, so just don’t ever give up on yourself and don’t let anyone get you down.”
However, they seem to have changed tracks following the resurfacing of this particular film.
News site The Sword first wrote about the film in 2013, including shots such as Everhard alongside two others wearing only underwear and an oversized open trench coat while giving a Nazi salute.
Jolie has now issued an apology, taking to social media after it was announced they would be appearing on season 4 of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula.
In light of recent comments I’ve received. I feel like it’s important to share this message here as well: pic.twitter.com/1OANqYGngM
— Jade Jolie (@QueenJadeJolie) September 9, 2021
"When I was in my younger youth, I was down on my luck financially and did adult film work to survive," they wrote in their apology.
"During one of the shoots I was involved in, I was asked to portray a Nazi soldier in a scene. Against my better judgment and with an abusive partner pushing me to say yes, I chose to participate and I have felt shame and regret for that decision every day," Jolie said.
"My shame has also prevented me from speaking about my decision and making an apology. I realize now that avoiding this is only more damaging to the Jewish community and the people who have been hurt by this," they said.
"I take full accountability for my choices and understand that what I did was wrong, regardless of the circumstances. I do not support antisemitism, racism, or bigotry in any way and I apologize sincerely to anyone who I have hurt," Jolie said.
"I hope, moving forward, I can show you that I'm not someone who is above taking accountability for the things I may be ashamed of."
*Gender-neutral pronouns (they/their) are used by an individual who does not identify as he/him or she/her.