Sherry Pie’s True Identity: Joey (Joseph) Gugliemelli
Sherry Pie, beloved—or once beloved—for vibrant drag performances, is legally named Joseph “Joey” Gugliemelli, born November 14, 1992, in Saratoga Springs, New York. His foundational training in musical theater at SUNY Cortland preceded his rise in the drag world.
🎭 Rise to Fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race
Cast on Season 12 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Sherry Pie initially thrived—making the Top 4 and winning multiple challenges. However, just before airing, lawsuits rocked his reputation: widespread allegations surfaced accusing him of orchestrating a years‑long catfishing scheme.
🚨 Allegations & Disqualification
- Multiple men revealed that Giuliemelli had impersonated a casting director named “Allison Mossie,” coaxing audition video submissions that escalated to nudity, sexual acts, and fetishized monologues.
- Among the disturbing demands: one man described being told to strip and masturbate on camera.
- The initial accusation came from actor Ben Shimkus via Facebook; within two days, at least seven individuals confirmed similar experiences.
- On March 6, 2020, following a BuzzFeed News exposé, VH1 and World of Wonder announced that Sherry Pie would be disqualified, barred from the finale, and largely edited out of the season.
🗣️ Public Apology & Aftermath
Gugliemelli issued a Facebook apology, acknowledging his wrongdoing and seeking mental health support:
“I want to start by saying how sorry I am that I caused such trauma and pain… I have been seeking help and receiving treatment…”.
Despite the apology and later interviews—like one on The Tamron Hall Show—his career took a heavy hit, and public sentiment remains largely unforgiving.
🔍 Wider Context & Industry Fallout
- Sherry Pie’s disqualification marked only the second time in the show’s history that a contestant was removed mid-season (the first was for a personal relationship violation).
- The network also donated $5,000 to The Trevor Project—a nod to community responsibility .
- Reddit discussions condemn his predatory pattern and highlight systemic concern:
“He was trying to get me to go further…Then he suggested he go…masturbate in order to feel more macho.” (reddit.com)
