Todrick Hall apologises to Drag Race viewers for “taboo” Yvie comment

21st May 2019

“To all the UK Drag Race viewers, I profusely apologize.”

Todrick Hall has issued an apology to British Drag Race viewers for his use of “taboo” terminology in last week’s episode.

The American choreographer guest-starred on the season 11 episode Queens Everywhere to assist the final five queens – A’Keria C. Davenport, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Yvie Oddly – with their dance routine to RuPaul’s new dance anthem.

While coaching Yvie, Todrick said: “Just make sure when we’re doing this, it doesn’t get spastic.”

British fans were quick to call out Todrick for his use of the word, because it’s an offensive term in the UK, usually aimed at those with disabilities. Shortly after the episode aired, Todrick clarified his intention behind the term because it takes on a different meaning in the States.

“To all the UK Drag Race viewers, I profusely apologize if my using the word “spastic” offended you,” he wrote on Twitter. “The word is not as taboo in the US, especially when referring to choreography, it just means clumsy. Same as how you say the word fag in your country, just a cultural difference.

To all the UK Drag Race viewers, I profusely apologize if my using the word “spastic” offended you. The word is not as taboo in the US, especially when referring to choreography, it just means clumsy. Same as how you say the word fag in your country, just a cultural difference.

— Todrick Hall (@todrick) May 17, 2019

I absolutely adore @OddlyYvie and just wanted her choreography to look clean, now that I know I will refrain from using that word when referring to someone cleanliness during movement. Congrats Yvie, on an awesome performance last night!

— Todrick Hall (@todrick) May 17, 2019

“I absolutely adore Yvie Oddly and just wanted her choreography to look clean, now that I know I will refrain from using that word when referring to someone cleanliness during movement. Congrats Yvie, on an awesome performance last night!”

He later followed up the tweet with another clarification, this time for his use of ‘fag’.

“I of course don’t think that people in the UK refer to each other as “fags” I just mean the word means cigarette which people would be offended by when I would say that word in Kinky Boots because they didn’t understand the cultural difference. “Spastic” is not as taboo here.”

I of course don't think that people in the UK refer to each other as "fags" I just mean the word means cigarette which people would be offended by when I would say that word in Kinky Boots because they didn't understand the cultural difference. "Spastic" is not as taboo here.

— Todrick Hall (@todrick) May 17, 2019

This week’s episode of Drag Race will see all 15 queens from season 11 reunite to spill some T and throw some shade at their fellow competitors. If the last two seasons are anything to by, it’s gonna be a bitchfest.

The following week, A’Keria, Brooke, Silky and Yvie will compete for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar in a massive lip sync showdown for the crown. Hopefully there’ll be no live animals this time…