Migos perform during SXSW on March 20, 2015 in Austin, Texas.
According to the World of Wonder, the production company that commissioned a few of the drag queens that performed alongside the singer during her song “Swish Swish,” those drag queens weren’t allowed to join the singer for her second performance -- playing “Bon Appétit” with Migos. Their website added some drag queens weren’t invited to the afterparty, because the rappers felt uncomfortable.
Other sources added the drag queens were intended to perform for both sets. “I was one of the performers on that table with them the whole time, during the rehearsal for 3 days,” a source said. “On the day of the filming, when I got there, I was told to leave. I wasn’t on the set at the time, but we were asking what happened. They said it was because Migos doesn’t feel comfortable with having drag queens there.”
Some of the performers with Katy on Saturday (May 20) included popular New York drag queens Brenda Dharling, Lil Miss Hot Mess, Bryant Dorean, Scarlet Envy, Gisele Alicea, Brita Filter, Yuhua Hamasaki, Pattaya Hart, Kimberly Smallz LaBeija, Alotta McGriddles, Svetlana Stoli, Miss Vita Summers, Jose Gutierez Xtravaganza, The Countess Mascara and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 contestant Vivacious.
There’s also claims that an SNL staffer supported the rumor that no queens were allowed to the afterparty. That might be hard to believe, considering there’s proof that a good amount of fabulous queens were seen enjoying themselves with the singer and SNL cast member Leslie Jones on the set and the event.
A post shared by Brenda Dharling/BrandonMichael (@bdharling) on
On set with the girls @lesdogggg @thebritafilter @bdharling #swishswishbish #SNL
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Katy’s performance of “Bon Appétit” also featured a more intimate setting, since the rappers and dancers were around a table -- with a handful of drag queens. World of Wonder has also deleted their post about the claims.
Migos were previously wrapped up in claims of homophobia after their comments about iLoveMakonnen. While the group has issued an apology, the group found themselves in the throws again when Offset said he wouldn’t perform at a gay club. During an interview with Billboard, Quavo denied he was homophobic by citing his work with Frank Ocean. “I got a record with Frank Ocean (“Slide”),” he said. “That closes my case.”
This article originally appeared on Vibe.