RuPaul dedicates record-breaking fifth Emmy win to the late Chi Chi DeVayne in heartfelt acceptance speech – and implores America to vote
Chi Chi Devayne onstage during RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party in 2016. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)
RuPaul has smashed records with a fifth Emmy win, dedicating his victory to the late Drag Race queen Chi Chi DeVayne.
RuPaul’s record-breaking fifth consecutive win at the Emmys came yesterday in the Television Academy’s outstanding host for a reality or competition program category.
The drag superstar has won the category more times than anyone else in its 13-year history.
“On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder, and our incredible cast and crew, I want to thank the Academy for this great honour,” RuPaul said in a televised acceptance speech.
“I’ve always said, every time I bat my false eyelashes, I’m making a political statement. Well, tonight, the only political statement I want to make is this: Love.
“Love for our LGBT brothers and sisters, love for Black queens and brown queens, and love for the United States of America, where a little gay boy with nothing more than a pussycat wig and a dream can build an international platform that celebrates sweet, sensitive souls everywhere.”
In his acceptance speech, RuPaul went on to dedicate his achievement to the legendary queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who tragically died at just 34 years old after battling pneumonia.
Urging viewers to vote on November 3, he continued: “I’d like to dedicate this Emmy to one of my girls, Chi Chi DeVayne. May you rest in power and perfection.”
RuPaul just broke the Emmys record for most wins in the Competition Host category, and dedicated the victory to Chi Chi DeVayne.
With 5 consecutive wins, we only have 69 more until this is considered a *sensible* 74 honors to match Ru’s excellence. https://t.co/XijMnl0SKx pic.twitter.com/bcyPQPoNtM
— Joey Nolfi (@joeynolfi) September 20, 2020
RuPaul’s heartfelt tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne.
Chi Chi DeVayne passed away on August 20, days after being hospitalised with pneumonia. She had lived with the chronic condition scleroderma.
Real name Zavion Davenport, the star competed on the eighth season of the show and on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.
On Twitter, RuPaul wrote that he was “heartbroken” to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne had died.
“I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul,” he said. “She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.”
The Emmy Award-winning host of Drag Race added: “On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy — from our family to hers.”
