According to a number of posts from friends and peers on social media, Nashom Wooden — who was well-known in New York City’s queer nightlife scene as drag queen Mona Foot — has died. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, many have claimed that the star had tested positive for the coronavirus, including the star’s longtime friend, Project Runway designer Geoffrey Mac.
“I lost my best friend today from the coronavirus, Nashom Wooden,” Mac said through tears in a video posted via Instagram on Monday (March 23). “I just want to make sure everyone out there stays healthy and takes care of each other because the virus is really real. I’m just so sorry.”
Club king Mario Diaz also shared a post in honor of Wooden, remembering their time together in the nightlife scene. “A beautiful gorgeous creature, an amazing artist and a friend for 25+ years,” Diaz wrote. “When I think of you I will always see that beautiful smile. When I think of you I will always remember the powerhouse that was Mona Foot!”
Wooden became well-known in the New York queer nightlife scene as Mona Foot starting in 1989, according to a 2017 interview with Paper Magazine. Wooden said he learned his makeup skills from none other than RuPaul herself and performed for years around various gay clubs in New York before ultimately retiring his character — only to bring Mona back for a performance at Wigstock 2018 as Wonder Woman.
Along with being known for his Mona Foot character, Wooden also achieved some success in the music business as one-third of The Ones, an early 2000s dance trio that saw once of their singles, “Flawless,” peak at No. 4 on Billboard‘s Dance Club Songs chart.
Stars from all across the New York City scene shared messages of love following the news. See what they had to say below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B-FR33Bhdbe/
Legendary Mona Foot (Nashom Wooden) has passed from complications due to COVID19. A treasure lost! Please stay inside. #MonaFoot #RIP pic.twitter.com/gVCtub6eqN
— Scarlet Envy (@ScarletEnvyNYC) March 23, 2020
Coronavirus has hit our nightlife Family in the heart. #MonaFoot…I learned a lot from you. Being a big tall muscular black woman myself, I would have felt out of place if I hadn't seen you be so commanding with such a Gorgeous smile. thinking of you. Rest in absolute power. pic.twitter.com/HOwaqzI0WD
— Pep says: stream HERE FOR IT NOW! (@Peppermint247) March 23, 2020
💔💔💔 rest in power and love #MonaFoot https://t.co/QorC8QpS3E
— Sasha Velour (@sasha_velour) March 23, 2020
To watch Mona Foot perform was like watching a master class in the art of drag…her energy was infectious
In 2019 she is who announced that I had won entertainer of the year – to me the honor was being on the same stage as such an icon
she was a legend & a true queen RIP
— Marti (@MartiGCummings) March 23, 2020
Sad to hear this. Mona Foot was an inspiration and true NYC legend. https://t.co/B7tbQR2wju
— Boulet Brothers (@bouletbrothers) March 23, 2020