Advertisement

Drag Race star Brita opens up about overdose after horrific abuse from trolls

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

From Digital Spy

The following article contains discussion of themes including self-harm that some readers may find upsetting.

RuPaul's Drag Race star Brita Filter has spoken candidly about her troubles with drink and drugs.

Appearing on the Sean L Show recently, the drag queen revealed how incessant online abuse from trolls pushed her to drink, and she even ended up trying to hurt herself after it got too much.

"I would go onto social media and there would be hundreds and hundreds of messages every single day," said Brita.

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

Related: This Morning's Phillip Schofield recalls Drag Race star Michelle Visage's support after he came out

"It got too much to bear. When someone starts to tell you you should kill yourself or how horrible of a person you are... you can try to brush it off, but it starts to get to you after a certain time."

She explained how every time the popular reality show aired in a new country, the trolling would start "all over again".

"In July I had two friends pass away," she continued. "I was drinking a lot. I was abusing drugs, doing so much cocaine. I broke up with my boyfriend. The messages were still coming... I tried to hurt myself."

Following a near-fatal overdose, Brita decided that she had to make a change.

Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg - Getty Images
Photo credit: Gabe Ginsberg - Getty Images

Related: Little Mix's Jesy Nelson opens up about self-acceptance and overcoming online abuse

"I woke up on my floor in my room," she explained. "I threw up and I was passed out on my floor the next day.

"I knew that I had to do something because I was going to hurt myself. And so I had to take a step back."

Reflecting on how she feels now, she concluded: "I'm happy, well, I'm getting there. I'm healthy, I'm with my family, I'm in beautiful Hawaii, and I'm grateful that I have this platform where I can make a difference and I can make a change and I can also be that hope for other people."


We would encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Organisations who can offer support include Samaritans on 116 123 (www.samaritans.org) or Mind on 0300 123 3393 (www.mind.org.uk). Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Alcohol Change UK offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Change UK's website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else's drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm). Readers can also contact Drinkaware.

For more on drug addiction and dependency, including information and support, please visit FRANK or Action on Addiction.


Digital Spy has launched its first-ever digital magazine with exclusive features, interviews, and videos. Access the latest edition with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+.

Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.

You Might Also Like