On Sunday, Venus shared images of herself in the aftermath of an alleged attack, which she said led to police stealing $1,000. On Tuesday, Venus shared an update stating that her injuries were not the result of a wrongful abduction.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was updated on April 22 with additional information and clarity from Venus about her original statement.
Canada’s Drag Race season 4 winner Venus has shared disturbing images of herself in the aftermath of what she says was a brutal attack by police that took place over the weekend in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
Venus posted a series of stories on her official Instagram account on Sunday, April 20, 2025, in which she alleged that she was “abducted by the ‘police’ and was handcuffed and tossed around in the back of a truck hatchback” in addition to also being robbed.
“Anyone have any advice on what to do and/or where to report this to? Front desk won’t help me because they think I’m guilty of not paying for my taxi which makes no sense because that’s why I took out cash in the first place… corruption on every level,” she added.
Another photo shared by Venus showed the outside of a building in the area, where Venus said “they left me here bleeding on the side of a dark road in the middle of the night after being held handcuffed for hours while they all laughed at me.”
She added: “I’m still in shock and I’m not sure what to do. I’m bruised and very sore — I honestly can’t even comprehend the last 5 hours I’m just lucky to be alive.”
“I was choked and kicked for an hour and then they took $1,000 cash from me and my headphones and then I had to pay to them hundreds more dollars to get released and I can’t even call the police because they’re the ones who did this!” Venus wrote in her post, which also contained images of red marks along her elbow, chest, and stomach.
In a follow-up Instagram story that came late Sunday night, Venus provided an update, in which she thanked “the amazing queer community here in Puerto Vallarta” and the staff at the Almar Resort, whom she said came to her aid “immediately” following the reported attack.
“We are still gathering all the details from last night and we are working with the respective authorities to come to some sort of resolve,” Venus continued. “Please do not worry about me. I am safe and I am with loved ones. Thank you again for all your messages and support.”
Venus rose to fame in 2023 when she ultimately took home the crown on season 4 of Canada’s Drag Race. The British Columbia star won the competition series’ first maxi challenge, and never landed in the bottom-two throughout her run on the show, joining an elite group of winners who’ve never had to lip-sync for their lives during their original-season run. In addition to her fabulous run on the show, Venus made history by becoming the Canadian edition’s first indigenous queen to take the crown.
In early 2024 Venus made history when she joined Canada’s Drag Race royalty Priyanka, Icesis Couture, Gisèle Lullaby and The Queen Of The North Brooke Lynn Hytes for an epic photo shoot for IN Magazine‘s Spring 2024 issue. You can read the spring cover story: “Canada’s Reigning Queens” right here.
An update from Venus offering clarity on the situation
On Tuesday, April 22, Venus took to social media offering an update and clarity on her earlier statements. Venus shared an Instagram story stating that her injuries were in fact, not the result of a wrongful abduction or brutality by the authorities.
“I wanted to take a moment and provide some clarity to my earlier post regarding an incident that took place during my stay in Puerto Vallarta. In a moment of fear and deep confusion, I shared concerns about my treatment at the hands of the local police department, after blacking out unexpectedly. When I came to, my lace of clear memories, combined with the status of my physical injuries, lead me to believe that something serious had happened while I was detained.
Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with representatives from the authorities, local advocacy groups, such as the Vallarta Gay+ Community Center, and the incredible team at the Almar Resort, to better understand the events of that night. Through that process, I’ve come to learn additional context and recognize that my initial response was made prematurely and without having all the facts.
It was made clear to me that I was involved in an altercation, however I can confirm that this occurred prior to any police involvement and is not the result of a wrongful abduction or brutality by the authorities. I acknowledge that I should have waited until I had more clarity before making any public accusations and take full accountability that my previous statement does not align with the events of that night. I want to take a moment and express a deep gratitude and appreciation for the efforts of those who helped me piece things together with compassion and care.
I am safe, recovering, and incredibly thankful for the messages of support I’ve received. Your kindness has meant the world to me. I am especially appreciative of the generosity from the local LGBTQIA2S+ community of Puerto Vallarta, who came together in my time of need to offer me safety, support & resolution.
With love,
Venus
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