Katya Zamolodchikova, one of the most well-known drag queens in RuPaul’s Drag Race history, announced in April on Instagram that she would be returning to rehab for alcohol and drug addiction, postponing future dates for her podcast tour with fellow Drag Race star Trixie Mattel.
Katya spent most of 2023 and early 2024 touring the country with fellow queen Trixie Mattel, promoting the pair’s podcast, The Bald and the Beautiful. After previously seeking treatment for mental health and substance abuse in 2018, the RuPaul’s Drag Race star chose to enter rehab again to “make things good for me right now.”
Who is Katya Zamolodchikova?
Born Brian McCook, Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova emerged on the Boston drag scene in 2006. Though McCook is not of Russian descent, he speaks Russian and has mastered the accent over the years.
McCook took inspiration from various Russian female names and Russian gymnast Elena Zamolodchikova in naming his witty, unpredictable drag character. He’s previously described Katya as a “retired kindergarten teacher that becomes a street-walking psychic crime fighter.”
McCook auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race four times before being cast for the show’s seventh season in 2015. Though Katya placed fifth on Drag Race, her fellow drag queens crowned her Miss Congeniality during the season 7 reunion episode.
In 2016, Katya appeared on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars and finished as a runner-up. In March 2016, Katya and fellow Drag Race contestant Trixie Mattel debuted their YouTube series, UNHhhh, which currently has over 200 episodes.
With their popularity on Drag Race and online after two seasons of UNHhhh, the pair of queens also received their show on Viceland in 2017. However, after suffering a mental health crisis during filming for The Trixie & Katya Show, Katya left the show and entered rehab.
Katya’s First Rehab Stint, Hiatus
While on Drag Race in 2016, Katya openly struggled with anxiety and being newly sober, and shared with RuPaul and Michelle Visage on their podcast, What’s the Tee, about her battle with anxiety, depression, and drug abuse when she was in college. She recalled experiencing a “psychotic break,” suicidal ideation, and addiction to stimulants as a young adult.
Katya announced—in fluent French—on a live broadcast on Instagram in January 2018 that she would be going on hiatus from drag to focus on her health and sobriety, postponing her “Help Me, I’m Dying” comedy tour.
“I’m telling you this with a sense of urgency. I’m not dying. Let me tell you the truth. I’m not dying; I want to live,” she said, according to a viewer’s translation. “I’m a drug addict, but I’m sober. Today, and yesterday. And before. But I need to take a vacation because I want to survive, like Gloria Gaynor.”
“Honestly, I’m happy that she’s dealing with her issues and trying to be happier. Her health should come before our entertainment,” a fan commented on Reddit.
Katya’s Projects After Treatment in 2018
After announcing her break from drag and seeking treatment in early 2018, Katya joined Craig MacNeil to host the podcast Whimsically Volatile. On Whimsically Volatile, Katya shared that in 2017, she experienced episodes of dissociation and a stress-induced heart attack due to taking speed and methamphetamine while filming The Trixie & Katya Show.
In early 2019, Katya embarked on her Help Me, I’m Dying comedy tour and continued co-hosting Whimsically Volatile with MacNeil until November 2019.
In late October 2018, Katya and Trixie teamed up again to revive UNHhhh, which continued during the pandemic and still runs today with eight seasons on YouTube. In 2020, Zomolodchikova and Mattel launched their new podcast, The Bald and the Beautiful.
Current Situation: Katya Returns to Rehab
The Bald and the Beautiful is described as “a pair of grizzled gay ghouls sitting on chairs, holding microphones, and discussing their fabulous lives in Tinseltown (featuring occasional forays into movies, television shows, and air-conditioning).”
Since 2020, Trixie and Katya’s weekly podcast has included over 120 episodes on YouTube, all with hundreds of thousands of views each. In 2023, the two Drag Race all-stars embarked on a live podcast-taping tour, taking The Bald and the Beautiful across North America.
Some stops included Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Denver, and Philadelphia, however multiple 2023 shows were postponed and rescheduled for spring and summer 2024 due to various unforeseen circumstances.
On April 9, Katya posted a video announcement on Instagram telling fans that she was returning to rehab. She also shared some well-known wisdom within the sober community
So there’s a saying, ‘For the active alcohol or drug addict, the trajectory of the life course has three possible outcomes: A. Jail, B. Institutions, or C. Death.’ Unfortunately, I find myself squarely, and firmly, and quite uncomfortably in the B camp right now. But, in an effort to make things good with you in the future, I gotta make things good for me right now.
Katya said all remaining dates on the podcast tour would be rescheduled, or fans’ tickets would be refunded. Obsessed, Katya and Trixie’s touring management company also posted on social media asking fans to reach out with questions about rescheduled tour dates.
“When it comes to our talent, their mental and physical well-being always has been and will remain our first priority. We wish Katya the best and send her our unwavering love and support as she navigates this step in her health,” they said in an Instagram post.
Fans and Friends Express Love and Support for Katya
Though comments on Katya’s post were limited, fans on X and Reddit expressed support for the drag star. “Let’s send her all the love, prayer, positive thought, white light, etc. for a healthy recovery,” a fan said on Reddit.
“As one of the people that lost [ticket-related] expenses, I too fully support her taking ALL the time she needs. I’m sending all of my love and well wishes to her,” another fan said on X.
Drag Race fans, and Katya’s friends and family in the drag community immediately responded to her post with love and encouragement for the entertainer.
“As a recovering alcoholic, I feel this deeply. I am always a text or phone call away. I love you so much, and you have my full support!!” drag queen Laganja Estranja commented on Katya’s post.
“Sending you so much love and support. Thank you for being brave enough to share with us and tackle this obstacle face on. You are so incredible, and we’re all rooting for you,” Shea Coulee said.
Impact on Katya’s Career and Future Projects
Since re-entering treatment in early April, the RuPaul’s Drag Race star has returned to social media and the stage next to her sister in drag, Trixie Mattel.
On April 24, Obsessed announced on Instagram that the Cincinnati and Indianapolis dates of The Bald and the Beautiful tour would proceed as planned.
“We want to thank each of you sincerely for your kindness and patience as Katya continues prioritizing her health. We are thrilled to be returning with these shows and can’t wait to see you in the audience soon!” they said in the post.
Katya reposted the announcement on her X account, to which fans responded excitedly in support.
“I’m Glad you are prioritizing your health! Thank you for everything you do and, more importantly, who you are,” one fan said.
Although Katya has returned to rehab, some fans may wonder whether she is still receiving treatment. She may be receiving outpatient treatment while continuing to work. However, neither Obsessed nor Katya have announced further updates on the Bald and the Beautiful tour.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in the LGBTQ+ Community
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), members of the LGBTQ+ community are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health and substance abuse issues than people who are heterosexual—often due to discrimination, stigma, lack of acceptance, and even internalized homophobia or transphobia.
Katya has always been candid when talking about her experiences with addiction and navigating sobriety. Within a marginalized community, her story helps promote mental health awareness and amplifies the community’s visibility at the same time.
Katya’s journey with addiction and sobriety also offers inspiration for others who are fighting anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or other mental health concerns: it’s never too late to get help, and it’s okay to reach out for help more than once.
Mental Health Support and Resources
Below, we’ve compiled a list of resources and places members of the LGBTQ+ community can go for support for mental health, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and more:
- The Trevor Project
- Suicide Prevention Resource Center (for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People)
- LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- It Gets Better Project for LGBTQ+ youth
- Human Rights Campaign Foundation
- Trans Lifeline
Getting Treatment for a Better Quality of Life
We understand that members of the LGBTQ+ community face a disproportionate set of obstacles in society that can significantly affect their mental health and well-being. However, resources and treatments are available tailored to this demographic’s needs.
For those who are struggling with major depressive disorder, substance abuse disorder, or another co-occurring condition, The Summit Wellness Group can help.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for support. You can reach us anytime by phone at (770) 830-3119 or by email at ContactUs@TheSummitWellnessGroup.com.