Victoria “PorkChop” Parker, a memorable star from the first season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” was rushed to the hospital after experiencing a sudden medical emergency.
The beloved reality TV star made Drag Race history in 2009 as the very first contestant eliminated from the Emmy-winning reality competition. Despite leaving the competition early, the performer soon won over fans and became a lasting part of the franchise’s history.
Earlier this week, Parker’s team shared a concerning update through the show’s production company, World of Wonder. The message revealed that the drag icon had been hospitalized following a serious health scare that required urgent medical care.
Severe Illness Began Shortly After Eating a Hamburger
As per the handwritten note shared online, Parker’s medical emergency began after eating a hamburger purchased from a major grocery chain.
The message explained that “shortly after eating the hamburger, he started vomiting, had diarrhea, and was severely dehydrated. [This] lasted 72 hours. 911 was called, and he was immediately transported to the hospital via ambulance.”
Parker remained in the hospital for about a week as doctors worked to stabilize the condition and monitor the symptoms.
During that time, medical teams administered antibiotics and carried out several tests to determine the cause of the sudden illness.
Doctors Diagnose Four Medical Conditions During Hospital Stay
During the hospital stay, doctors discovered several health complications connected to the severe infection and dehydration.
Medical evaluations revealed that Parker developed atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. Physicians also diagnosed acute kidney injury, hyponatremia linked to an intestinal infection, and high blood pressure.
The update said Parker has since been discharged and is recovering at home. However, the performer remains “bed-bound for the next 14 to 21 days” as treatment continues.
A visiting nurse and a physical therapist are helping manage the recovery and providing daily care.
Despite the alarming episode, the message noted that Parker “is expected to make a full recovery.”
Drag Race Community Rallies to Support PorkChop During Recovery
As Parker begins the road to recovery, support from friends, fans, and fellow drag performers has quickly poured in.
The message explained that “as he works toward recovery, his immediate needs that would greatly improve his quality of life would be a motorized scooter to help him get around, and assistance with personal 24-hour security would be deeply appreciated.”
Supporters were also invited to help through an online fundraiser created to assist with recovery-related expenses.
“Sometimes a small act of kindness can make a meaningful difference for someone who has spent so many years bringing joy to others,” the note concluded. “We hope the community will keep PorkChop in their thoughts and consider lending support in whatever way they may be able.”
As of writing, the fundraiser had reached 76 percent of its goal, raising $4,525 out of $6,000 from 93 donations.
Donations came from members of the Drag Race family, including season 6 winner Bianca Del Rio and season 18 contestant DD Fuego. Production company World of Wonder also contributed.
Since the earliest days of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” Parker has remained a recognizable figure in the franchise. The performer later returned for special appearances, and season 13 even featured the now-famous “PorkChop Loading Dock,” a twist named in tribute to the queen’s place in the show’s history.
Outside the competition series, Parker appeared in the 2021 comedy film “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas,” which starred RuPaul alongside several Drag Race alumni.
“They didn’t have to pitch it! As soon as they told me, I wanted to do it!” Parker told EW at that time.
“From the description of the character, I knew what I wanted to do with it. I immediately thought, ‘Yes! I don’t have to get in drag, and I get to be comfortable!’ I was able to show off what I was able to do as a guy, not in drag.”
