RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jan has already marked herself as one of the ones to watch on the current series, but some fans might be surprised to find out the reason she is known by just one name.
During the latest episode of the hit reality series, fellow queen Rock M Sakura was seen referring to Jan’s drag surname, which was bleeped from the broadcast.
The moment left some viewers confused, but it happened because Jan had to change her usual drag name to take part in the series.
Before appearing on the show, Jan was known as Jan Sport – a name derived from the JanSport brand of backpacks, which she previously revealed she’d chosen to reflect her love of sports.
However, the brand is obviously trademarked and therefore Jan is legally prevented from using it on TV, hence the mononym.
Jan addressed the change prior to her debut in the workroom on Twitter last week, tweeting: “Jann I OOP! It’s just Jan y’all!
“I’m trying to laugh through the pain about not being able to use my full name on television, so I’m changing my name to Elle O’Elle.”
She is not the only season 12 queen to have undergone a name change ahead of the show.
Brita was previously known as Brita Filter after the water filter brand, but also had to have a rethink due to international trademark laws.
Two episodes of the current season of Drag Race have aired so far, with the queens introduced in two halves.
The upcoming episode will see all 13 come together to compete for the first time in an American Idol-inspired improv challenge.
Last week, it was confirmed Sherry Pie had been disqualified from the competition after a series of catfishing allegations were made against her.
Confirming the news, a show spokesperson said: “Out of respect for the hard work of the other queens, VH1 will air the season as planned.
“Sherry will not appear in the grand finale scheduled to be filmed later this spring.”
New episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race are available to stream in the UK each Saturday on Netflix.
