August 4, 2021
'Drag Race' Star Stacy Layne Matthews Facing Eviction, Sends Out Social Media Plea
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
In revealing she is about to lose her apartment, "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 2 star Stacy Layne Matthews has taken to social media with an SOS asking fans for help.
Along with a photo and details for using an app to send her financial assistance, Matthews wrote on Instagram: "I been given a week to figure it out or go to court and explain why I'm behind. I've never been evicted. It's a scary situation."
Asking her fans to hold off on passing "judgment," Matthews explained that she has "been going through some health issues" and that she is "not working as much and I have in the past."
"I know everyone is struggling. Trust me I have helped many people get through tough times," she continued. "I thought I had done enough to stay where I am currently living. By myself in a 1 bedroom apartment..... but obviously I havent."
Matthews added: "Just know if I didn't need help I surely wouldn't ask.... especially from people I didn't know. With that being said.... if you wanna donate.... that would be greatly appreciated."
With the end of an emergency moratorium on evictions put in place by the government because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic upheaval, millions of Americans are in similar straits.
A new moratorium, announced by the CDC on August 3, will give renters some breathing room – at least until October 3, according to Associated Press.
The AP noted that the new moratorium "could help keep millions in their homes as the coronavirus' delta variant has spread and states have been slow to release federal rental aid." The measure applies to "counties with 'substantial and high levels' of virus transmissions and would cover areas where 90% of the U.S. population lives."
Asking fans to "please refrain from negative comments and bad energy," Matthews admitted that she has "beat myself up about this more than you will ever know."
"Thank you to those who believe in me enough to get back to where I was," she added. "I havent smiled in such a long time."
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.
