RuPaul’s Drag Race star Lexi Love is going to rehab.
The season 17 finalist, 34, has entered a 30-day rehab program at a Texas facility for substance abuse treatment and emotional therapy, according to her manager and friend, TJ Liedel, who spoke to Entertainment Weekly on Saturday, May 10.
Liedel shared that past trauma led to Lexi’s recent issues with substance abuse. While Lexi spoke about her previous struggles with meth addiction on her season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, her manager added that meth was not a factor in the drag artist’s current treatment, though her goal is complete sobriety. She may also enter another 30-day program after her first month of treatment.
“Her family, friends, and fans all know the love and light that Lexi has. We know how difficult it is to face these things head on,” Liedel told EW. “We’re extremely proud of the courage she has to face publicly, and to be a representative for so many in the community.”
Liedel continued, “Unfortunately, people demonize these things, but the only way we can get better about it is to be public, share stories, and actively work toward healthier, happier times. We appreciate the support of everyone. Know that Lexi appreciates everyone in their support, and she will be back soon. We Lexi Love you.”
Liedel’s statement came hours after Lexi announced that she would be going to rehab via Instagram on Saturday.
“For all you curious cats…,” she wrote. “I was brave enough to take my mental, [physical] and emotional health serious for the first time ever. I am in rehab and will be gone for a while. Y’all better get ready for what’s coming.”
She concluded, “I Lexi Love you; even the HATERS.”
Lexi tied with Sam Star for third place in the season 17 finale of Drag Race. She celebrated with a heartfelt post via Instagram on April 21, where she wrote, “I know I put a lot of weight and pressure on the success of this finale, it was my goal since getting clean off Methamphetamines in 2015; what I’m finding out is that even though I may not have one of the crown at this moment in time, my true success was always in the journey and not the destination!”
She added, “In my honest opinion, I am still on my journey….. and I’m going to focus on obsessing over that versus the destination.”
Days later, on April 27, Lexi announced via X that she would be taking a break from performing to focus on her mental health.
“I’m taking a step back to nurture my mental, physical, and emotional well-being,” she wrote at the time. “It’s time to transform my relationship with my inner saboteur — to understand it, disarm it, and step fully into my strength.”
She added, “When I return, I’ll be ready to take on the world — bigger, better, and stronger than ever. And to those who doubted me — thank you for reminding me that resilience is a choice, and I choose to rise.”
