Ginger Minj Responds to Favouritism Claims After Historic All Stars 10 Win: “They Built the Narrative Themselves”

Ginger Minj has officially entered the “Drag Race Hall of Fame,” claiming the crown and $200,000 grand prize after an electrifying finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10. The victory, announced by Paramount+ on July 18, marks Minj’s first Drag Race crown, following three previous appearances on the franchise and solidifying her status as one of the competition’s most enduring and beloved queens .

The milestone season introduced a new “Tournament of All Stars” format, pitting 12 returning queens against each other in head-to-head battles, culminating in a dramatic Lip Sync Smackdown for the Crown. Runner-up Jorgeous received a cash tip of $25,000 after the final showdown .

The innovative tournament format, while celebrated by many for its fresh energy, also sparked debate among viewers and some former contestants. Online chatter intensified after Minj’s win, with critics questioning whether the structure of the competition gave her an unfair advantage. Some fans and RuGirls (Drag Race alumnae) speculated that Minj was favoured by the new system, citing her familiarity with the show and her seasoned approach to challenges .

In the wake of her win, Minj addressed these criticisms in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, stating: “I wish I could say I don’t let it bother me, but I do. Of course I care about what people think, particularly when it’s a project I’ve put all of me into.” She continued, “What made me laugh a little bit and gave me some solace was the fact that I’ve done this competition three previous times, and RuPaul hasn’t had an issue putting me in the bottom, making me lip-sync for my life, and not giving me a crown. There’s never been an instance where I was favoured throughout the past” .

Minj’s response has resonated with many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those who see her journey as a testament to perseverance, authenticity, and resilience. By directly engaging with the backlash, she asserted her agency over her narrative: “They built the narrative themselves,” Minj emphasized, calling out the tendency of some fans to project their own theories onto an already complex and highly produced reality competition .

She also took the opportunity to encourage viewers to celebrate the diversity and talent on display throughout the season. “I’m proud of how I competed and I don’t plan to change for anyone,” Minj said, highlighting the importance of self-affirmation for queer performers navigating the spotlight. Her comments echo RuPaul’s own praise: “Since we first met her, Ginger Minj has been the epitome of Drag Race excellence. And now she has the crown to prove it” .

The All Stars 10 finale has spurred intense discussion among fans, with many rallying to support Minj and affirm the validity of her win. Social media, including Minj’s own Instagram account, has seen an outpouring of congratulatory messages and expressions of solidarity from fellow queens, allies, and LGBTQ+ advocates .

Some members of the Drag Race community, including runner-up Jorgeous, have also spoken out about the emotional highs and lows of competing in such a high-pressure environment. Jorgeous, reflecting on her own journey, described feeling “hollow” after narrowly missing the crown, but also acknowledged the significance of the season’s new format and the opportunities it provided to showcase queer talent in ever-evolving ways .

For many LGBTQ+ viewers, the drama surrounding the finale is a reminder of the broader challenges that queer performers face: persistent scrutiny, shifting standards of success, and the pressure to meet often contradictory expectations from fans and peers. Yet, as Minj’s win and her candid response to criticism make clear, the heart of Drag Race remains rooted in the values of self-expression, creativity, and community support.

As the dust settles from the All Stars 10 finale, Ginger Minj’s place in Drag Race herstory is secure. Her nuanced approach to criticism and her willingness to speak openly about her experiences signal a broader shift in how LGBTQ+ artists navigate fame and public opinion. For the viewers and fans who invest deeply in the show’s outcomes, Minj’s message is a powerful call to celebrate not just the winners, but the diversity and resilience of all who step onto the Drag Race stage.