Pura Luka Vega, a contestant from Drag Den Philippines season 1, is appealing for financial help from their supporters as they prepare to face a legal battle.
The drag artist conveyed this plea through their official podcast’s Instagram account earlier this week.
The funds collected from their supporters will be used to cover food and transportation expenses for their upcoming court appearances in September.
“WE’RE GOING TO COURT. And we need your help more than ever… Your donations will go to Luka’s family and transportation/food for their court dates this September,” they wrote in the caption.
However, the post also announced that airfunding donations for the drag queen have been postponed.
Dulcinea Zulueta, who made the post on airfunding, stated, “Luka already has scheduled shows that were canceled when the news of their video in Jesus Drag went viral; drag shows are one of their main sources of income.”
“With Luka now being subpoenaed this September, it will largely affect their day job and drag shows leading them to earn less than he usually does,” the post continued.
Luka lost a lot of job due to all the silly reactions. Help Luka w/ their legal fees!https://t.co/AWDfGZPzPI
— Alfonso Manalastas (@not_alfonso) August 23, 2023
The post did not specify the reason for Pura Luka Vega’s upcoming court appearance next month. However, earlier reports suggest that the drag artist is facing a complaint filed by church leaders of the Philippines for Jesus Movement in Quezon City.
The church leaders cited that Pura Luka Vega allegedly violated Article 201 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) and Republic Act 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
If found guilty of these charges, the Drag Den Philippines season 1 contestant could face imprisonment of up to six years and/or a fine ranging from ₱6,000 to ₱12,000.
Pura Luka Vega gained viral attention on various social media platforms in recent weeks after a video of them performing to the religious song ‘Ama Namin’ was uploaded online. The video showed Pura Luka Vega wearing an outfit resembling Jesus Christ during their performance.
Amid the controversy, the Drag Queen defended their performance and stood by their artistry.
https://twitter.com/ama_survivah/status/1689544692046991361
Currently, as Pura Luka Vega faces legal and personal challenges, their supporters unite in defense of artistic freedom and expression.