We're Here season 4 replacing Drag Race queen hosts

We're Here season 4 to replace 3 Drag Race queens with new hosts Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall, Priyanka

Shangela, Bob the Drag Queen, and Eureka previously led the HBO docuseries as hosts, with Sasha Velour, Jaida Essence Hall, and Priyanka set to take over.

Joey Nolfi

Published on July 12, 2023 11:05AM EDT

HBO's drag makeover docuseries We're Here will have a new set of hosts for season 4, EW has learned.

RuPaul's Drag Race alums Bob the Drag Queen, Shangela, and Eureka, who led the show's first three seasons to two Emmy victories, will not be returning for the new season, with Drag Race season 9 winner Sasha Velour, season 12 champion and All Stars 7 queen Jaida Essence Hall, and Canada's Drag Race season 1 victor Priyanka joining the series as new hosts for season 4.

RuPaul's Drag Race digital cover — Jaida Essence Hall for EW. Vijat M for EW

"In this increasingly hostile political climate, we are grateful to [HBO] for their dedication to telling LGBTQ+ stories that meet the moment and document our history," show co-creator Johnnie Ingram wrote on Instagram after EW broke the casting news. "We are thrilled to expand our drag family and grateful for and give much needed love to the people on the front lines of hate."

In a joint statement released after EW's report, Bob, Shangela, and Eureka also spoke about leaving the show.

"We are extremely grateful for the opportunity we had the past three seasons to travel across the country, share our experiences and connect with all of the courageous individuals who entrusted us with their stories," they said. "Our journey has inspired hope and sparked important conversations while empowering unique voices and opening new doors. As we move forward with our exciting individual projects, we welcome Sasha Velour, Priyanka and Jaida Essence Hall, and wish them the best on continuing this work during an increasingly difficult time for the LGBTQ+ community."

First debuting in 2020, We're Here charted the trio's journey across small-town America, as they stopped in various conservative regions to give residents empowering makeovers and a slot in a one-night-only drag extravaganza.

In late 2022, Daniel McGarrigle, a former assistant on the series, accused Shangela of raping him in a hotel room in February 2020 — an allegation the Dancing With the Stars alum denied after McGarrigle filed a lawsuit against the drag entertainer.

Priyanka from 'Canada's Drag Race'. Priyanka/YouTube

In a statement to EW in May, Shangela — also known as Darius Jeremy "DJ" Pierce — said that he was "disgusted" by the claim.

"They are personally offensive and perpetuate damaging stereotypes that are harmful not only to me but also to my entire community," the statement read. "An external investigation into this embittered individual's claims previously concluded that they were completely without merit. This newest filing is nothing but an attempt to shake down both me and a well-regarded television company. No one should be fooled: It has no basis in fact or in law, and it will not succeed."