James Jordan says he’s just "being honest" after criticising Michelle Visage’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ routine.
The ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star was eliminated from the BBC Latin and ballroom competition over the weekend, and the dancer – who appeared as a pro on the show from 2006 to 2013 – didn’t hold back while critiquing her and Giovanni Pernice’s performance alongside Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ as a tribute to the New York drag community.
After a fierce backlash and row over his comments, James, 41, tweeted: "You’re only responsible for being honest, not for someone else’s reaction to your honesty."
He also accused Michelle, 51, of "trolling" him, and suggested she was simply "upset" her fans didn’t show their support in the voting.
He wrote: "I love the fact I’m being trolled by @michellevisage for my honest opinions on Twitter and never once ‘@’ her in any tweet.
"Didn’t realise I wasn’t allowed my own opinion on my own account. Think she’s still upset ‘her’ community didn’t save her. Don’t blame me."
Michelle has admitted the performance was a "risk" but that doing so was "the only way to change the world".
Responding to James’ comments – which included describing her as a "real contender" with "great performances" despite hating her final routine – she insisted she will "forever" be proud.
She said: "Totally get it, but we took a risk. A risk to shed light on a dance that isn’t highlighted enough. I’m proud of what we did and forever will be. Thank you!"
Before accusing Michelle of trolling him and insisting he was being honest, James had heaped praise on the star.
He responded: "You should be proud of yourself as I thought you and Giovanni were brilliant together. In fact I thought you had a chance of winning
"Change doesn’t always mean it’s better but you took a risk it just didn’t pay off. You still did great xxx (sic)"