TIMELINE: Fans demand removal of Fifth Solomon from ‘Drag Race PH’

A significant call for change is currently circulating within the Drag Race community and among LGBTQ+ advocates. Fans and groups, notably Manila-based collective Euphoria Club MNL, are urging the removal of Fifth Solomon from his role as creative director for Drag Race Philippines (DRPH).

This push stems from accusations of problematic and "discriminatory behavior." On Monday, June 16, an online petition was launched, targeting production companies Wow Presents Plus, Wonderhouse Asia, and World of Wonder, demanding Solomon's replacement.

The petition alleges that Solomon has displayed "elitist, discriminatory, transphobic, and fatphobic" conduct on social media, further accusing him of bullying and power tripping. Those behind the petition are calling for an immediate investigation, asserting that such actions contradict the message of diversity and love that the Drag Race franchise aims to embody.

The allegations gained prominence following a series of online posts, particularly from trans artist Edgy Teresa on Sunday, June 15. Teresa detailed an incident that reportedly began after she criticized an Instagram post from Hoesik Manila, a Korean and drag bar co-owned by Solomon, which netizens deemed controversial.

According to Teresa's account, the situation escalated when she shared screenshots of private messages exchanged with the drag bar's account. The conversation reportedly started after she posted an Instagram story questioning the establishment's claim of being a "safe space."

Teresa claimed the bar showed no "accountability and remorse," allegedly dismissing her concerns and implying their actions were not wrong. She also suggested their response felt AI-generated.

Conversely, the Hoesik Manila account accused Teresa of insulting staff and referenced a private conversation about alleged misconduct by someone whose production was scheduled at the bar.

Teresa further alleged that the bar's Instagram account directed transphobic, elitist, and body-shaming insults towards her, including comments questioning her financial status and appearance. As a transwoman dealing with body dysmorphia, Teresa described these remarks as a "whole other level of disrespect."

Fifth Solomon publicly responded to Teresa's claims, sharing screenshots of the same private messages. He contended that Teresa had initiated the online conflict by mocking him, using terms like "flop movie queen" and making fun of his plastic surgery.

Solomon also suggested that Teresa held resentment towards the establishment since her team's departure and chose to air grievances publicly rather than through direct communication.

Solomon's public response drew criticism from many, including Drag Race PH Season 1 Miss Congeniality winner, Versex, who voiced support for Edgy Teresa. Versex posted online urging others to "Stop patronizing that gay man out of fear that you won’t get in the show [DRPH] or join [DRPH] All Stars," advocating for change and standing up for the aspirations of gay individuals.

Fifth Solomon, known to DRPH fans as the show's creative director since its first season, was previously a housemate on Pinoy Big Brother in 2014. He was noted as the second housemate to openly identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community on the show.

Before taking on the creative director role in 2020, Solomon had built a career as an actor, writer, and director in film and television, with directorial credits including "Nakalimutan Ko Nang Kalimutan Ka" (2018) and "ExSorsis" (2021). He also established his own production company, Passion 5 Studios.

Amidst the controversy and online backlash, Solomon shared on social media that he was taken to the emergency room due to a mental breakdown on Monday, June 16, attributing it to the intense online criticism he received.

Earlier, before reports of his breakdown, Solomon had posted about the online bullying, stating his resilience: "But me? You can't bring me down... I grew up with no blueprint, no guidance, no safety net. So I taught myself how to fight, how to bite back. The world isn't kind."

On Monday, June 16, Solomon released a statement addressing the incident, offering an apology to those affected by his comments made "out of anger." He acknowledged that his remarks, particularly those concerning appearance and money, were wrong.

In a separate post, Solomon specifically apologized to Edgy Teresa, stating she "did not deserve that" and acknowledging her desire to create a safe space. He also announced his decision to fully step down as a part-owner of Hoesik Manila, encouraging continued support for the establishment's production, queens, and staff.

As of the latest reports, Drag Race Philippines has not yet issued an official statement regarding the calls for Solomon's potential replacement.