Have you ever wondered about the performers who step onto the grand stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race? One of the most talked-about names in the show’s history is Sherry Pie. Born Joey Gugliemelli, this performer once dreamed of being a superstar in the world of drag. Known for a style that felt like a mix of Broadway and old-school camp, the Sherry Pie drag queen persona was built on big hair and even bigger characters.
However, her journey is very different from other contestants. While most queens leave the show with new fans and bright futures, Sherry Pie became the center of a massive scandal. It is a story that changed how fans look at the show forever. To understand what happened, we need to look at her early life and her quick rise to fame before everything came crashing down.
Biography of Sherry Pie
| Feature | Details |
| Real Name | Joseph “Joey” Gugliemelli |
| Stage Name | Sherry Pie |
| Date of Birth | 1992 |
| Hometown | Saratoga Springs, New York |
| Education | SUNY Cortland (Musical Theater) |
| Main Style | Camp, Musical Theater, Comedy |
| Television Debut | RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 |
| Status | Disqualified |
The Early Days of Joey Gugliemelli
Before becoming the famous Sherry Pie, Joey Gugliemelli was a student who loved the arts. He attended SUNY Cortland, where he studied musical theater. This background in acting and singing helped him create a very polished drag character later on. He was known for being funny and having a great stage presence. People in the New York drag scene started to notice her talent quickly.
In the world of drag, “camp” refers to a style that is over-the-top and funny. Sherry Pie excelled at this. She wasn’t just a beauty queen; she was a storyteller. This unique talent made her a perfect fit for a competition like RuPaul’s Drag Race. Fans were excited to see what a theater-trained queen could bring to the main stage.
Joining Sherry Pie Drag Race Season 12
In 2019, the big news broke: Sherry Pie was officially cast on the twelfth season of the hit show. This is the dream of almost every performer in the community. Being on the show usually means fame, money, and a lifetime of tours. When the season started, viewers saw a queen who was doing incredibly well. She was winning challenges and getting a lot of praise from the judges.
However, behind the scenes, a dark story was beginning to emerge. As the episodes aired, viewers noticed something strange. The show started adding a special note at the beginning of each episode. This note told fans that Sherry Pie had been disqualified. It was the first time in the show’s history that a frontrunner was removed before the season even finished airing.
What Did Sherry Pie Do? The Shocking Truth
You might be asking, what did sherry pie do to get kicked off such a famous show? The answer involves a long history of “catfishing.” Catfishing is when someone pretends to be another person online to trick others. In this case, Joey Gugliemelli pretended to be a casting director named “Allison Mossey.” He told young actors that they were auditioning for big Broadway plays or movies.
Under this fake name, he asked these men to send videos of themselves doing things that were inappropriate or degrading. He claimed these videos were “audition tapes.” In reality, there was no Broadway play and no casting director named Allison. It was just a trick to get people to send him private videos. This news broke just as Season 12 was starting to air, and it shocked the entire world.
The Breaking Point: How the Controversy Started
The sherry pie controversy began when a man named Ben Shimkus posted his story on Facebook. He bravely shared how he had been tricked by the “Allison Mossey” persona years earlier. Once he spoke up, many other men came forward with similar stories. They all described the same pattern: a fake casting director asking for videos that made them feel uncomfortable.
Because the show had already been filmed, the producers were in a very difficult spot. They decided to disqualify her immediately. They also decided to edit the episodes to show as little of her as possible. This was out of respect for the victims and to make sure the focus stayed on the other talented queens who worked so hard.
Impact on RuPaul’s Drag Race
The disqualification had a massive impact on the show’s structure. Usually, the final four queens compete in a big grand finale. Because of the sherry pie controversy, the finale was changed to a top three instead of a top four. The producers also donated money to mental health and LGBTQ+ charities to help make amends for the situation.
Fans were very divided at first. Some wanted the whole season canceled, while others wanted to see the other queens succeed. In the end, the show’s decision to edit her out was seen as a bold move. It sent a clear message that misconduct would not be tolerated, no matter how talented a performer might be.
The Apology from Joey Gugliemelli
After the allegations became public, Joey Gugliemelli posted an apology on social media. He admitted that he had caused a lot of “trauma and pain.” He also mentioned that he was seeking professional help for his mental health. Many fans and former contestants felt the apology was not enough, considering how many people were hurt over several years.
In the drag community, trust is very important. Many performers felt that his actions gave the community a bad name. This led to a large conversation about safety and consent within the entertainment industry. The Sherry Pie situation became a lesson for many people about the dangers of online predators.
Where is Sherry Pie Now?
Since the scandal, the Sherry Pie drag queen persona has mostly disappeared from the public eye. She was not allowed to attend the reunion or the finale of her season. While she has tried to make small comebacks or give interviews, the reaction from the public remains very negative. Most theaters and drag venues will not book her because of the nature of her actions.
In 2021, she appeared on a talk show called The Tamron Hall Show to tell her side of the story. This appearance was very controversial. Many people felt she should not be given a platform to speak. Since then, she has kept a very low profile. It seems unlikely that she will ever return to the level of fame she once had.
Lessons Learned from the Scandal
The story of Sherry Pie is a sad one, but it taught the world several important lessons. First, it showed the importance of “vetting” or checking the backgrounds of reality TV contestants. Second, it highlighted how social media can be used to hold people accountable for their actions. Without the bravery of the victims speaking out, this might have never come to light.
It also reminds us to always trust our gut. If an “audition” or a job offer feels weird or asks for things that seem wrong, it is okay to say no. The victims in this case were young actors who just wanted to follow their dreams. Their stories remind us that we must look out for one another in the creative world.
How the Fans Reacted
The fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race are very passionate. When the news of the Sherry Pie drag race disqualification broke, social media exploded. Many fans spent time finding the “original” versions of episodes to see what was edited out. Others focused entirely on supporting the winner of the season, Jaida Essence Hall.
The community mostly moved on by focusing on the “Season 12 Sisterhood.” The other queens from that year became very close. They supported each other through the strange experience of having a cast member removed. Today, when fans talk about that season, they usually focus on the talent of the remaining queens rather than the shadow of the scandal.
A Legacy of Caution
While most drag queens use their platform for good, the Sherry Pie story is a reminder that talent doesn’t always equal good character. She was clearly a gifted performer who could have had a long career. Instead, her choices led to her downfall. Her legacy is now one of caution rather than celebration.
The show continues to be a huge success, but it now has stricter rules and better background checks. This ensures that the stage remains a safe and happy place for everyone involved. Drag is about love, art, and expression, and the community works hard to keep it that way.
FAQs About Sherry Pie
1. Was Sherry Pie ever in the top four?
Yes, she actually made it to the final four based on the competition. However, she was disqualified before the finale was filmed.
2. Is Sherry Pie still performing drag?
She has stayed away from major stages since 2020. While she may do small things, she is largely banned from the mainstream drag community.
3. Did Sherry Pie win any money on the show?
She won several challenges, but the show donated her prize money to The Trevor Project instead of giving it to her.
4. What is Joey Gugliemelli’s real name?
His real name is Joseph Gugliemelli. He used the stage name Sherry Pie for his career.
5. How many victims were there?
At least seven men came forward with similar stories of being catfished by him.
6. Did she go to jail for what she did?
While there were many allegations, most of the legal discussions have been private. There have been no public reports of her going to prison as of now.
Conclusion: Moving Forward Together
The story of the Sherry Pie controversy is a difficult chapter in the history of drag. It reminds us that even in worlds full of glitter and joy, there can be dark secrets. However, the way the community and the show handled the situation shows a lot of strength. By choosing to support the victims and focus on the other queens, they turned a bad situation into a moment of growth.
If you love the art of drag, let’s keep the focus on the performers who inspire us and treat others with respect. Would you like me to help you find information on other talented queens from Season 12 who had a positive impact?
