Almost 2 years after her appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4, and many fans are just now beginning to see who Phi Phi O'Hara really is. Her "mean girl" status has continued to follow her, and many fans of the show have put a wall up against her because of it. In a world already filled with so much hate, it is hard to watch as these "fans" post negative, threatening messages on her Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter. If you have ever seen Phi Phi perform live, you know she preaches positivity (in addition to putting on a sickening show)! On Tumblr, even in the midst of hate from fans, Phi Phi is always defending her RuPaul's Drag Race sisters. For everything she has gone through, this queen is truly "phierce".
In our interview with Phi Phi, she opens up to us about her RuPaul's Drag Race sisters, the threats against her from fans, the editing on RuPaul's Drag Race, and what she is up to now. She also gives a message to all her haters. Read it all here:
In our interview with Phi Phi, she opens up to us about her RuPaul's Drag Race sisters, the threats against her from fans, the editing on RuPaul's Drag Race, and what she is up to now. She also gives a message to all her haters. Read it all here:
Drag Official: How are you and what have you been up to lately?
Phi Phi O'Hara: I have been extremely lucky because I am continuously working and performing. I get to attend many red carpet events, host parties for big name celebrities, plus I get to travel the world. I also get to work a little more behind the camera now, which I am in love with doing. I have been able to help scout talent for new reality shows on other networks which is seriously the most fun. I now understand how people are chosen for a TV series and the type of big personalities that make a show worth watching, either for laughs, cries, or fights. I guess they chose the right person [on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4] to instigate (laughs).
Phi Phi O'Hara: I have been extremely lucky because I am continuously working and performing. I get to attend many red carpet events, host parties for big name celebrities, plus I get to travel the world. I also get to work a little more behind the camera now, which I am in love with doing. I have been able to help scout talent for new reality shows on other networks which is seriously the most fun. I now understand how people are chosen for a TV series and the type of big personalities that make a show worth watching, either for laughs, cries, or fights. I guess they chose the right person [on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4] to instigate (laughs).
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Drag Official: What kind of backlash did you get for your “mean girl” status after the show?
Phi Phi: It has always been mixed. Of course, I get the haters, but there are also the people that also felt shunned by others for having a fighting drive. Not everyone wants to play the victim in life and many people are born to be the go-getters, fighting hard for what they want. I don't feel that anyone should ever be criticized for having a drive. PS: there was $100,000 on the line! If anyone is trying to play patty cake instead of fighting to win (or as Ru said the first episode of my season "PLAY TO WIN") then maybe there is a 'happy camp' they can go to instead (laughs). I won't mention the bars or events that wouldn't book me, but a few have refused to book me because they fall in the category of believing everything they see on TV. There are cities where I have so many fans that want to meet me, but the owners of the clubs are biased fans, and don't want to book me. Some of my best experiences at venues are the ones that flat out say "I loved Willam and Sharon on the show and not you". A) I get it, I saw the show too (laughs), but B) they end of loving the crowds I bring for them, how much I interact with everyone, spread love, and deliver a great show. By the end of it, they want to have me back. I get to start a great friendship with these people because they took a chance!
Phi Phi: It has always been mixed. Of course, I get the haters, but there are also the people that also felt shunned by others for having a fighting drive. Not everyone wants to play the victim in life and many people are born to be the go-getters, fighting hard for what they want. I don't feel that anyone should ever be criticized for having a drive. PS: there was $100,000 on the line! If anyone is trying to play patty cake instead of fighting to win (or as Ru said the first episode of my season "PLAY TO WIN") then maybe there is a 'happy camp' they can go to instead (laughs). I won't mention the bars or events that wouldn't book me, but a few have refused to book me because they fall in the category of believing everything they see on TV. There are cities where I have so many fans that want to meet me, but the owners of the clubs are biased fans, and don't want to book me. Some of my best experiences at venues are the ones that flat out say "I loved Willam and Sharon on the show and not you". A) I get it, I saw the show too (laughs), but B) they end of loving the crowds I bring for them, how much I interact with everyone, spread love, and deliver a great show. By the end of it, they want to have me back. I get to start a great friendship with these people because they took a chance!
Drag Official: Almost 2 years later, and you are still getting hate from RuPaul’s Drag Race fans. Why do you think that is?
Phi Phi: I would be lying if I said that every now and then I don't get evil emails, tweets, or blog posts written about me. I have realized that these people's opinions are the least of my concerns and often find them humorous. I will either reply in a "kill em' with kindness" type of way, or simply educate them on how certain events REALLY went down on TV. I love watching reality TV shows and we all have our favorites, but I would NEVER feel it was mature or appropriate to verbally attack someone on their fan pages, emails, or personal accounts. It just shows how hypocritical the world. They are doing the same thing that they are attacking me for doing. It is upsetting to see ANYONE bash ANY of the RuPaul's Drag Race girls because unless you are on the show, you have NO IDEA what we go actually through.
I loved TV before social media because I feel social media can really bring someone's soul to the ground. The biggest compliment I get from people is when reality kicks in and they say, "OMG, you are so down to earth and sweet". Again, that only happens when these people take the wall of hate out of their frame of mind and come to a show to see the REAL Phi Phi.
I will be totally honest right now, I recently performed as Miley Cyrus and stripped away all the beauty that I personally love about getting in drag (big hair, rhinestones, etc.) and people loved it. There was even a blog post written about how I finally stepped out of the box to the "New Age of Phi Phi!" It was bittersweet because it is the way I have performed all along, with the same amount of heart, passion, and artistic direction that I put into everything I do, but it is finally getting noticed now. After the show, Sharon and I had a heart to heart (which we have often) and I broke into tears because it hurt so much to FINALLY get the recognition that I have dreamt of getting for something I have been doing forever. I told Sharon that she will never know what it has been like to be in my shoes because the world fell in love with her on the show and felt they can relate to her. I decided before I got on the show that I would step up and give the show a villain they will always remember and most of the world took it so serious. I received death threats, people saying how they were glad my father beat me, and how if they saw me, they would throw acid in my face. I used to need multiple body guards watching me to make sure nothing was going to happen if god forbid a super fan went crazy. I am grateful for everything I have received and I am extremely happy that slowly, but surely people are seeing who the REAL Phi Phi is. I am not asking for everyone to like me, but I would love people to take the chance to meet the real me.
Phi Phi: I would be lying if I said that every now and then I don't get evil emails, tweets, or blog posts written about me. I have realized that these people's opinions are the least of my concerns and often find them humorous. I will either reply in a "kill em' with kindness" type of way, or simply educate them on how certain events REALLY went down on TV. I love watching reality TV shows and we all have our favorites, but I would NEVER feel it was mature or appropriate to verbally attack someone on their fan pages, emails, or personal accounts. It just shows how hypocritical the world. They are doing the same thing that they are attacking me for doing. It is upsetting to see ANYONE bash ANY of the RuPaul's Drag Race girls because unless you are on the show, you have NO IDEA what we go actually through.
I loved TV before social media because I feel social media can really bring someone's soul to the ground. The biggest compliment I get from people is when reality kicks in and they say, "OMG, you are so down to earth and sweet". Again, that only happens when these people take the wall of hate out of their frame of mind and come to a show to see the REAL Phi Phi.
I will be totally honest right now, I recently performed as Miley Cyrus and stripped away all the beauty that I personally love about getting in drag (big hair, rhinestones, etc.) and people loved it. There was even a blog post written about how I finally stepped out of the box to the "New Age of Phi Phi!" It was bittersweet because it is the way I have performed all along, with the same amount of heart, passion, and artistic direction that I put into everything I do, but it is finally getting noticed now. After the show, Sharon and I had a heart to heart (which we have often) and I broke into tears because it hurt so much to FINALLY get the recognition that I have dreamt of getting for something I have been doing forever. I told Sharon that she will never know what it has been like to be in my shoes because the world fell in love with her on the show and felt they can relate to her. I decided before I got on the show that I would step up and give the show a villain they will always remember and most of the world took it so serious. I received death threats, people saying how they were glad my father beat me, and how if they saw me, they would throw acid in my face. I used to need multiple body guards watching me to make sure nothing was going to happen if god forbid a super fan went crazy. I am grateful for everything I have received and I am extremely happy that slowly, but surely people are seeing who the REAL Phi Phi is. I am not asking for everyone to like me, but I would love people to take the chance to meet the real me.
Drag Official: Your close friends, boyfriend, and family know you better than any fans. What do they think of all the hate you've received?
Phi Phi: To be honest, they laugh. They know how I am and they know that I am not an evil spawn of Satan (laughs). What people didn't see on the reunion is how I broke down crying about how amazing my boyfriend is. He has never let hate, jealousy, or rumors get in the way of what we have. He has been the most amazing and supportive person I could have ever asked to have in my life. He knows if something I read gets to me and he is the first person to put a smile on my face. He is my everything. The best part of my family, best friends, and boyfriend is that they give love and respect to everyone. Whether people like me or not, they would never ridicule or speak poorly of them just because they don't agree with them.
Phi Phi: To be honest, they laugh. They know how I am and they know that I am not an evil spawn of Satan (laughs). What people didn't see on the reunion is how I broke down crying about how amazing my boyfriend is. He has never let hate, jealousy, or rumors get in the way of what we have. He has been the most amazing and supportive person I could have ever asked to have in my life. He knows if something I read gets to me and he is the first person to put a smile on my face. He is my everything. The best part of my family, best friends, and boyfriend is that they give love and respect to everyone. Whether people like me or not, they would never ridicule or speak poorly of them just because they don't agree with them.
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Drag Official: Do you think the editing of RuPaul's Drag Race helped to frame you in a particularly villainous light for the purpose of adding drama to the show?
Phi Phi: Any queen that says you can't blame it on the editing is lying. ANYONE who works in TV or has ever been behind the scenes knows that editing is the ULTIMATE tool in creating an image. Someone could be the meanest person ever, but as long as the editing only shows their sweet moments, people can be blinded and believe every moment! Did I do some evil things on the show, HECK YES! I just wish more of the great times we shared were shown- when we were laughing, play fighting, playing tag, burping, farting (laughs), all the stuff that made us normal people. Yet, I understand it was a TV show and they can only fit so much into an hour. People like drama! So why not give it to them, I guess (laughs).
Phi Phi: Any queen that says you can't blame it on the editing is lying. ANYONE who works in TV or has ever been behind the scenes knows that editing is the ULTIMATE tool in creating an image. Someone could be the meanest person ever, but as long as the editing only shows their sweet moments, people can be blinded and believe every moment! Did I do some evil things on the show, HECK YES! I just wish more of the great times we shared were shown- when we were laughing, play fighting, playing tag, burping, farting (laughs), all the stuff that made us normal people. Yet, I understand it was a TV show and they can only fit so much into an hour. People like drama! So why not give it to them, I guess (laughs).
Drag Official: Do you feel that you can relate with Roxxxy Andrews because she was also framed as a “mean girl” on her season?
Phi Phi: I knew Roxxxy way before either of us were on RuPaul's Drag Race. I don't feel that I relate well to her. Strictly watching as a fan of the show, I felt that she picked on Jinkx and others because they couldn't afford to have the nice expensive things that she could, or because they didn't fit the mold of glam and beauty that Roxxy possesses every day! I guess you could say I was a "mean girl" because I wanted to win the money. I would make fun of clothes or looks, as all us queens do to each other backstage. If you really listen to why I am upset [on the show], it was because I felt that my talent was being challenged. I am the first one to go to a dollar store and make a couture outfit out of crap so I would never knock someone for that. I just don't want people talking about me behind my back or getting upset at me with incorrect facts... oh, and especially if they break the rules (laughs)!
Phi Phi: I knew Roxxxy way before either of us were on RuPaul's Drag Race. I don't feel that I relate well to her. Strictly watching as a fan of the show, I felt that she picked on Jinkx and others because they couldn't afford to have the nice expensive things that she could, or because they didn't fit the mold of glam and beauty that Roxxy possesses every day! I guess you could say I was a "mean girl" because I wanted to win the money. I would make fun of clothes or looks, as all us queens do to each other backstage. If you really listen to why I am upset [on the show], it was because I felt that my talent was being challenged. I am the first one to go to a dollar store and make a couture outfit out of crap so I would never knock someone for that. I just don't want people talking about me behind my back or getting upset at me with incorrect facts... oh, and especially if they break the rules (laughs)!
Drag Official: Is there anything you would like to say to the people that continue to send hateful messages to you?
Phi Phi: Grow up. People are always saying that I asked for this by putting myself on TV. Sorry, but I didn't sign a contract saying 'please, everyday of my life, fill my inbox with ignorant fans and keyboard warriors to try ripping my self worth and self-esteem to the ground'. Like I have said before, have your favorites and cheer them on, but don't fill the world with more hate than we already have. Be above it all. Hold a level of maturity that you would want to be treated with if you were in any of our shoes.
Phi Phi: Grow up. People are always saying that I asked for this by putting myself on TV. Sorry, but I didn't sign a contract saying 'please, everyday of my life, fill my inbox with ignorant fans and keyboard warriors to try ripping my self worth and self-esteem to the ground'. Like I have said before, have your favorites and cheer them on, but don't fill the world with more hate than we already have. Be above it all. Hold a level of maturity that you would want to be treated with if you were in any of our shoes.
Drag Official: It's only logical that we will see you again for All Stars: Season 2. Is there anything you would change about the way you competed when/if you return for All Stars?
Phi Phi: What is All Stars?!! (laughs) If there is another season, I think it would be fun just to compete with the girls. We are all family now, and it would be fun to battle them. Plus, Chad and Sharon [from my season] already got a crown....Where is mine??! (Phi Phi jokes about sneaking into Party City to purchase a cheap plastic one for herself)
Drag Official: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the upcoming months?
Phi Phi: I am still traveling and doing what I do, performing for my fans and being able to share my talents with new people. I am seriously just living life and seeing the world. This experience has already been a dream come true so even if this all ended tomorrow, my checklist of dreams have been completed. The only other goals I have are to compete on the Amazing Race and go after the million dollars... then buy RuPaul's Drag Race and change it to my name and crown myself winner every season! Just kidding (laughs), maybe! I left my mark, and whether it has been good or bad for some, I know that there are many out there that I have been a role model for, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Phi Phi: What is All Stars?!! (laughs) If there is another season, I think it would be fun just to compete with the girls. We are all family now, and it would be fun to battle them. Plus, Chad and Sharon [from my season] already got a crown....Where is mine??! (Phi Phi jokes about sneaking into Party City to purchase a cheap plastic one for herself)
Drag Official: What can we look forward to seeing from you in the upcoming months?
Phi Phi: I am still traveling and doing what I do, performing for my fans and being able to share my talents with new people. I am seriously just living life and seeing the world. This experience has already been a dream come true so even if this all ended tomorrow, my checklist of dreams have been completed. The only other goals I have are to compete on the Amazing Race and go after the million dollars... then buy RuPaul's Drag Race and change it to my name and crown myself winner every season! Just kidding (laughs), maybe! I left my mark, and whether it has been good or bad for some, I know that there are many out there that I have been a role model for, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
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