It was the design challenge on Drag Race Down Under this week, and when RuPaul wheeled in the big box of garbage the queens were going to have to make an outfit from, previously eliminated contestant Art Simone was also inside. Ru announced she was returning to the competition, and that was just that.
No explanations. No logic. Just a production move that has left people questioning are there even any rules when it comes to RuPaul’s Drag Race anymore.
When contestants have returned to Drag Race in the past, there’s usually been an explanation – even if the reason is some thinly veiled disguise for the producers to get a big character back on the screen. When Trixie rejoined the competition in season seven, it was because she won the main challenge with Pearl and earned her place. When Joe Black came back in Drag Race UK season two, it was because Veronica Green couldn’t return to the competition due to her Covid diagnosis – and felt fair because the remaining queens voted Black in themselves.