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Acid Betty
View on WikipediaJamin Ruhren[1] (born December 10, 1977), better known by the stage name Acid Betty, is an American drag queen, performer, actor and singer. He rose to national prominence after competing on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2016 and the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2025.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Ruhren first wore drag when he was very young, masquerading as his sister's “cousin from out of town” as a practical joke, where he wore his sister's cheerleader pompoms to act as his hair and breasts. He later said that that was when he first knew he would pass as a female in the future, even if he looked like “a fat Raggedy Ann”.[2] Ruhren went to his first drag club when he was 17, where he saw Raja perform.[3] He is Jewish.[4]
Career
[edit]
Before his appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race, Betty was a guest for an episode of Project Runway, season five in 2008, where RuPaul was the guest judge.[5][6][7] In 2009, Betty was in the film An Englishman in New York with John Hurt.[8] In 2010, she appeared in an eight episode web series documentary, Queens of Drag: NYC with Peppermint, Bianca Del Rio and Mimi Imfurst.[9] She has served as Ringleader at the Lincoln Center for New York City's "Rock and Roll Circus" in 2011.[10]
Betty was announced to be one of twelve competing on season eight of RuPaul's Drag Race on February 1, 2016.[11][12] She was eliminated in episode five after performing badly on the annual snatch game challenge, and later losing a lip sync to Madonna's "Causing a Commotion" against Naomi Smalls.[13][14][15]
After the show, Betty made a cameo appearance in The Path in 2018.[16] In July 2020, Betty was featured in Drive N' Drag, a drive-in drag show.[17] In April 2025, Acid Betty was announced as one of eighteen former Drag Race contestants competing in the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.[18]
Music
[edit]In November 2011, Betty appeared in the music video for Cazwell's "Unzip Me".[19] Betty released her first single, "Ruthless", on March 1, 2012.[20] Her second single, "Fantasy", was released on May 15, 2016.[21] The music video features season eight finalists Kim Chi and Bob the Drag Queen.[22] A third single, "Acid (Drop)", was available three days later.[23]
Personal life
[edit]Ruhren is based in Brooklyn.
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | An Englishman in New York | Herself |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Project Runway | Herself | Guest (season five) |
| 2016 | RuPaul's Drag Race | Contestant (8th Place) | |
| RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked | |||
| 2018 | The Path | Season 3, Episode 8: "The Door" | |
| 2020 | Tales from the Trip | Episode 35: "Acid Betty" | |
| 2025 | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 10) | Contestant - (11th Place) |
Music videos
[edit]| Year | Title | Artist | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Unzip Me" | Cazwell | |
| 2012 | "Ruthless" | Herself | [24] |
Web series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Queens of Drag: NYC | Herself | [25] |
| 2016 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked | [26] | |
| Bus Buddies | [27] | ||
| 2018 | Out of the Closet | [28] | |
| Hey Qween! | [29] | ||
| 2020 | The Pit Stop | [30] |
Discography
[edit]Singles
[edit]| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2012 | "Ruthless" |
| 2016 | "Fantasy" |
| "Acid (Drop)" |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Hegedus, Eric (2016-03-07). "RuPaul still reigns supreme as 'Drag Race' hits 100 episodes". New York Post. Archived from the original on 2017-03-18. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Hegedus, Eric (7 March 2016). "RuPaul still reigns supreme as 'Drag Race' hits 100 episodes". New York Post. NYP Holdings, Inc. Archived from the original on 18 March 2017. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- ^ "GayCalgary.com - VIDEO INTERVIEW - Acid Betty talks about RuPaul's Drag Race and Big Brother". GayCalgary Online. Archived from the original on 2017-12-24. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "5 Jewish drag queens slaying the competition - Diaspora - Jerusalem Post". www.jpost.com. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 2018-06-28. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "RuPaul Is Returning To "Project Runway" | NewNowNext". www.newnownext.com. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "Meet Acid Betty – Discover Drag Performers on Yas Queens". Yas Queens. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "Project Runway: Stream of Consciousness Recap – Ep. 6". Flamingo Musings. 2008-08-21. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "Inside The Downtown Celebrity Known As Acid Betty". www.villagevoice.com. 28 January 2010. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "Queens of Drag: NYC". www.outwordmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2019-05-30. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Aleksander, Irina (2011-01-05). "Rock and Roll Circus Is a Tight Squeeze: Scene City". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Avery 1/14/2016, Dan. "The Cast Of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 8 Will Be Announced At New Now Next Honors | NewNowNext". www.newnownext.com. Archived from the original on 2023-04-15. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Allen, Timothy (2016-02-01). "Meet The Queens Of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8". www.queerty.com. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Nichols, James Michael (2016-04-05). "Acid Betty Reflects On Her Time On 'RuPaul's Drag Race'". HuffPost. Archived from the original on 2020-08-22. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Moylan, Brian (4 April 2016). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Snatch Me If You Can". www.vulture.com. Archived from the original on 2022-05-17. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8, Episode 5: Acid Betty Fails to Impress". www.crossmap.com. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Gore, Father (2018-02-22). "The Path – Season 3, Episode 8: "The Door"". Father Son Holy Gore. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Romano, Andrea (July 14, 2020). "This Drive-in Drag Show Is Bringing America's Drag Superstars to a Parking Lot Near You". Travel and Leisure. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (April 23, 2025). "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 cast announced with major format change: See 18 returning queens on largest cast ever". Deadline. Retrieved April 24, 2025.
- ^ Peace Bisquit (2011-11-20), CAZWELL & PEACHES "Unzip Me" Official video directed by Bec Stupak, archived from the original on 2019-06-20, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Ruthless - Single by Acid Betty & Brittany Campbell, archived from the original on 2021-12-03, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Fantasy (feat. Brittany Campbell & Mathenee Treco) - Single by Acid Betty, archived from the original on 2021-12-03, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Acid Betty (2016-04-04), fantasy, archived from the original on 2021-01-06, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Acid (Drop!) [feat. Brittany Campbell & Mathenee Treco] - Single by Acid Betty, archived from the original on 2021-12-03, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ byJaminDesign (2012-03-01), Acid Betty's Ruthless, archived from the original on 2019-04-08, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Gay DotCom (2010-10-13), Acid Betty/Epiphany, Queens of Drag: NYC Ep5, archived from the original on 2023-04-15, retrieved 2019-08-30
- ^ WOWPresents (2016-03-08), Untucked: RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 - Episode 1 "Keeping It 100!", archived from the original on 2020-08-31, retrieved 2019-08-30
- ^ Logo (2016-03-09), Bus Buddies: Acid Betty & Robbie Turner | RuPaul's Drag Race (Season 8) | Logo, archived from the original on 2020-11-20, retrieved 2019-09-22
- ^ "Acid Betty Shows Off Her Fantasy-Filled Drag Lair In "Out Of The Closet" | NewNowNext". www.newnownext.com. Archived from the original on 2019-06-07. Retrieved 2019-06-07.
- ^ Hey Qween (2018-03-27), ACID BETTY on Look At Huh! - Part 1 | Hey Qween, archived from the original on 2020-03-01, retrieved 2019-06-07
- ^ Voss, Brandon (2020-03-21). "Acid Betty Has Thoughts on This Week's "Drag Race"". NewNowNext.com. Archived from the original on 2020-03-21. Retrieved 2020-03-21.
External links
[edit]- Acid Betty at IMDb
- Acid Betty on Discogs
Acid Betty
View on GrokipediaBackground
Early Life and Education
Jamin Ruhren, known professionally as Acid Betty, was born on December 10, 1977, in Brooklyn, New York.[2][1] Before gaining prominence in New York City's nightlife and drag scenes, Ruhren resided in Los Angeles, where she initiated her creative endeavors through graphic design and street art under the alias "NoWar JuzFuk," aspiring to emulate provocative artists like Banksy.[7] Seeking expanded artistic opportunities and personal fulfillment, Ruhren relocated to New York City, which catalyzed the development of her distinctive hybrid drag persona.[5] No records detail formal education in fashion, performing arts, or related fields, though her early self-taught visual experiments laid foundational influences for her avant-garde aesthetic.[7]Professional Career
Pre-Fame Drag Performances
Acid Betty developed her drag persona in the mid-2000s, debuting around 2006 amid New York City's underground club scene, where she sought to innovate beyond conventional drag by integrating bold, artistic expressions through distinctive hair, makeup, and styling. Influenced by acid house culture, her aesthetic emphasized a gritty, alternative edge that rejected traditional padding and norms, aligning with a punk-inspired rejection of mainstream drag tropes.[3] By 2008, she had established a presence hosting parties and performing in NYC nightlife venues, cultivating a reputation for unpredictable fashion and theatrical unpredictability that drew local audiences. Her frequent gigs, often five nights a week, included events like Acid Disko—a "freak fest" party series—and collaborations in the city's drag circuit, where she honed a hybrid style echoing influences such as Leigh Bowery and Sherry Vine, whom she credited for sparking her entry after relocating from Los Angeles.[3][5] In 2010, Acid Betty gained early visibility through appearances in the web series Queens of Drag: NYC, performing alongside queens like Epiphany in episodes that highlighted her emerging visual artistry and live showmanship, helping build a dedicated following in Brooklyn's alternative drag community prior to broader recognition. These pre-fame efforts focused on live performances blending visual elements with messaging, fostering grassroots support through consistent club engagements rather than commercial media.[8][5]RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 (2016)
Acid Betty competed as one of twelve contestants in the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which aired weekly on Logo from March 7 to May 16, 2016.[9] Her participation highlighted her distinctive psychedelic and avant-garde drag style, emphasizing bold prosthetics, custom millinery, and high-concept runway presentations that drew consistent praise from judges like Michelle Visage for innovation, though she secured no maxi challenge victories.[10] In the season premiere's apparel design challenge, she constructed a garment from unconventional materials, landing safely without lipsync.[11] Subsequent episodes, including the "Bitch Perfect" a cappella parody in episode two and the soap opera acting mini-challenge in episode three, saw her maintain safe status through committed performances that aligned with her theatrical persona.[9][12] Her run concluded in episode five, "Supermodel Snatch Game," where contestants impersonated celebrities in a parody interview format. Acid Betty's portrayal received criticism for lacking humor and energy, compounded by a runway look deemed underwhelming, placing her in the bottom two against Naomi Smalls.[13][14] The elimination lipsync featured both queens performing to Madonna's 1986 single "Causing a Commotion," with RuPaul declaring Naomi the winner based on superior emotional delivery and precision, eliminating Acid Betty on April 11, 2016, and securing her an eighth-place finish overall.[13] Acid Betty's early exit was described as shocking by observers, given her strong aesthetic contributions, which left a lasting impression on the season's visual legacy despite the production's portrayal of interpersonal tensions.[15] The exposure immediately elevated her profile, facilitating increased bookings and recognition in drag circuits as fans highlighted her as an underappreciated talent for her boundary-pushing designs.[10][11]Intervening Career Developments (2016–2024)
Following her elimination from RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 in April 2016, Acid Betty participated in live tours tied to the franchise, including the Werq the World tour's 2017 leg, where she performed at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto on October 25, 2017.[16] She returned for the 2019 iteration, delivering a performance at the Atlanta Symphony Hall on November 1, 2019.[17] These appearances showcased her evolving stage presence, emphasizing elaborate, self-designed costumes that fused avant-garde visuals with dynamic movement.[7] Acid Betty also contributed to RuPaul's Drag Race Live! productions, creating LED visual art for shows at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, integrating reactive elements like UV-sensitive materials to enhance live performances.[7] Her involvement extended to fan conventions, such as RuPaul's DragCon NYC in 2017, where she joined fellow New York-based performers for panels and meet-and-greets,[18] and the 2019 event from September 6–8, during which she sold limited-edition photo prints of her work.[19] Throughout the period, Acid Betty refined her hybrid drag style—characterized as a provocative blend of punk, industrial, and avant-garde influences—through independent club bookings and events in New York City and beyond, often featuring custom outfits with holographic and sculptural details.[20] This approach distinguished her from mainstream drag aesthetics, prioritizing visual innovation and boundary-pushing concepts in live settings across the U.S.[3]RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 10 (2025)
Acid Betty was announced as part of the twelve-queen cast for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10 on April 23, 2025, marking her return nine years after her appearance on season 8. The season introduced a bracket-style tournament format, with queens divided into groups competing for Most Valuable Queen (MVQ) points earned through maxi challenges, runways, and fan votes, culminating in eliminations and advancements to semi-finals.[21] Placed in Bracket 3 with Alyssa Hunter, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Daya Betty, Denali, and Ginger Minj, Betty entered the competition aiming to leverage her avant-garde aesthetic and improve on her original season's track record of zero maxi wins.[21] Throughout Bracket 3 challenges, including the "Wicked Good" musical parody in episode 7 (aired June 13, 2025) and the "Stagecooch" performance revue in episode 8 (aired June 20, 2025), Betty emphasized strategic alliances to compensate for inconsistent challenge placements.[22][23] She proposed pooling MVQ points among bottom performers to propel one queen forward, highlighting calculated gameplay amid rivalries, particularly with Alyssa Hunter, whose on-camera frustrations over perceived production favoritism contrasted Betty's pragmatic approach.[24] Interactions with Denali focused on competitive runways, where Betty's bold designs, such as her episode 7 workroom look evoking Sulley from Monsters, Inc., drew acclaim for creativity, though she trailed leaders in overall points.[22] Reuniting with season 8 castmate Cynthia Lee Fontaine added narrative tension, echoing past Werk Room dynamics without overt conflict.[25] Betty's elimination occurred after episode 9 (aired June 27, 2025), which concluded Bracket 3 preliminaries, preventing her advancement to semi-finals despite arguably top-two-worthy efforts in multiple challenges and consistent runway strengths.[26][27] Her gameplay received mixed-to-positive reception for redeeming her season 8 "villain" edit through congenial alliances and high-fashion consistency, with commentators noting her evolution into a fan-favored competitor, though critiques highlighted lipsync vulnerabilities in potential re-entry scenarios.[27][28] The season's dynamics underscored Betty's shift toward collaborative strategy over individual flair, contributing to discussions on All Stars' evolving format favoring adaptability.[23]Creative Works
Music and Discography
Acid Betty's discography is limited to a handful of digital singles released via independent channels, characterized by electronic dance-pop production that complements her punk-infused drag persona through high-energy beats and thematic boldness. These tracks, often self-produced or in collaboration with associates from her "Haus of Acid," emphasize performative flair over mainstream appeal, with no full-length albums issued to date.[29] Her debut single, "Ruthless" featuring Brittany Campbell, was independently released on March 1, 2012, as a high-quality MP3/M4A download including cover art and a press release.[30][31] Post her 2016 appearance on RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8, Acid Betty issued two singles in quick succession: "Fantasy" on May 5, 2016, and "Acid (Drop!)" on May 18, 2016, both featuring vocal contributions from Brittany Campbell and Mathenee Treco, with production credited to the Haus of Acid Music and mastering by Hakan Ludvigson.[32][33] These dance-pop tracks incorporate electronic elements and pop structures, aligning with her avant-garde aesthetic.[32][33] A novelty track, "Donut First" (styled as "I'm All About That DONUT! DONUT First!"), was created exclusively by producer B. Ames for Acid Betty's Season 8 queens tour promotional efforts, available as a digital download.[34]| Single Title | Release Date | Featured Artists | Genre/Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ruthless | March 1, 2012 | Brittany Campbell | Electronic Pop | Debut single; independent digital release.[30][31] |
| Fantasy | May 5, 2016 | Brittany Campbell, Mathenee Treco | Dance-pop, Electronic | Produced by Haus of Acid Music.[32] |
| Acid (Drop!) | May 18, 2016 | Brittany Campbell, Mathenee Treco | Dance-pop, Electronic | Mastered by Hakan Ludvigson.[33] |
| Donut First | 2016 | None | Novelty Electronic | Tour-exclusive track.[34] |
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