Briar Blush Discloses Battling Pneumonia and Sepsis During 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Competition

Briar Blush, a contestant on the latest season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has shared that she endured severe health challenges during her time on the show. In an exclusive interview published on January 24, 2026, Blush disclosed that she was battling walking pneumonia for several weeks while filming, a condition that later developed into sepsis upon her return home, requiring hospitalization.

Blush appeared in the first four episodes of the competition, where she gained attention for her distinctive looks and a notable feud with fellow contestant Athena Dion. She advanced after lip-syncing against Mandy Mango in episode three, sending Mango home. Tensions escalated in the werkroom with Dion and Mia Starr, though Blush emphasized in the interview that emotions were high and the group has since reconciled. "I didn't want to have any issues with my sisters. I really wasn't trying to fight. We're fine now, obviously. Emotions are high and I'm not mad at them. I said what I said and did what I did, but Athena is just as annoying," Blush stated.

During the episode, Blush faced criticism from guest judge Law Roach for her runway outfit, which did not stand out compared to others. Shortly after receiving feedback, she fainted on stage and required medical evaluation before proceeding to a lip-sync against Kenya Pleaser, which she lost, resulting in her elimination. Reflecting on the moment, Blush said, "I'm fighting for my life. Jane Don't is mad about getting flowers and I'm going through Silent Hill! I fell like a sack of potatoes. Ivory Glaze, you and I are built different. I just remembered feeling very warm in the moment. Girl, I was so confused."

Initially, some competitors questioned the faint, but Blush clarified it stemmed from her undisclosed illness. "When I fainted, it was a culmination of a few things. When I got home, I was diagnosed with pneumonia. I had walking pneumonia for some weeks during filming, which later developed into sepsis when I got home. I was really sick and had to go to the hospital for it," she explained. Blush noted that her castmates now believe her account.

Today, Blush reports feeling much improved but faces ongoing health effects. She sustained permanent damage to her left lung due to the prolonged illness, which may or may not improve over time. Despite this, it has not halted her drag career; she continues traveling extensively but prioritizes self-care. "I do have some damage in my left lung permanently that may or may not get better with time because I was sick for so long. It has not impeded on my drag career. I'm traveling as much as I can, but I have to be more mindful of my body," Blush shared.

RuPaul's Drag Race, a landmark series for queer and transgender performers, airs Friday nights on MTV. The show has long provided a platform for LGBTQ+ artists like Blush to showcase talent amid high-stakes challenges. Blush's revelation underscores the physical demands of competition, particularly for performers navigating health issues in a high-pressure environment that celebrates drag artistry within the broader LGBTQ+ community. Fans can follow her journey on Instagram, as mentioned in the interview.

This story highlights resilience among drag performers, who often push through adversity to represent queer excellence on global stages. While Blush's experience is personal, it resonates with LGBTQ+ audiences familiar with the intense scrutiny and physical toll of reality television formats. No additional community responses from organizations were reported in available coverage at this time.