Gottmik the groundbreaking trans-male drag performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race found himself behind the wheel of a legal nightmare on September 16. Burbank Police officers responded at roughly 4:50 PM to a multi-vehicle collision near the intersection of Verdugo Avenue and Hollywood Way. The black Porsche, driven solely by the 30-year-old star whose legal name is Kade Gottlieb, struck a parked Toyota Camry, which then nudged two additional cars that were lined up along the curb.
After assessing the scene, officers reported that Gottmik exhibited “objective signs and symptoms of alcohol intoxication.” He was consequently placed under arrest for driving under the influence. The suspect was booked, held briefly, and then released on September 17 pending further legal processing.
The collision and police response
The Burbank Police Department’s incident log details that the Porsche was the only moving vehicle involved. Witnesses said the car appeared to lose control before it smashed into the stationary Toyota, setting off a chain reaction that damaged the nearby parked vehicles. Detectives noted the driver’s demeanor and smell of alcohol as key factors leading to the DUI charge. Law enforcement emphasized that the arrest was based on observable impairment rather than a breath-test result released to the public.
Gottmik’s drag résumé and recent controversies
Beyond the headlines, Gottmik has a notable résumé within the drag world. In, he made history as the first transgender man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13, ultimately sharing a third-fourth place finish with fellow contestant Rosé. Four years later, he returned for All Stars season 9, emerging in fourth place. Industry insiders have announced that he will serve as a judge on the upcoming second season of the Revry-produced series King of Drag slated to premiere in West Hollywood.
His public profile, however, has been anything but smooth. In January 2026, Gottmik attracted criticism for attending Marilyn Manson’s birthday party and posing for photos alongside drag alum Violet Chachki. The episode sparked a brief wave of social-media backlash, yet the performer has not issued a formal apology or statement regarding either the party or the recent DUI incident.
Fellow queens weigh in on social media
News of the arrest traveled quickly through the drag community. Season 18 contestant Briar Blush joked, “Economy so bad Gottmik didn’t wanna pay for an Uber,” injecting humor into the unfolding saga. Meanwhile, Season 14 finalist Daya Betty posted a sarcastic question on X: “Girl you can’t afford a ride share?” Both comments underscore the tight-knit yet outspoken nature of the Drag Race alumni network.
While some fans expressed disappointment, others reminded followers of Gottmik’s pioneering role for trans representation on mainstream television. The dichotomy of support versus criticism illustrates how public figures in the LGBTQ+ entertainment sphere navigate personal missteps under intense scrutiny.
