Bob the Drag Queen, the larger-than-life winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7 and breakout star of The Traitors, is no stranger to serving shade, spilling tea, and stealing the spotlight. Known for his razor-sharp wit and unapologetic charm, Bob recently dropped a bombshell that had fans buzzing: a hilarious misunderstanding about Paul Shaffer, the iconic bandleader from The Late Show with David Letterman. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Bob revealed he once thought Shaffer, the mastermind behind the queer anthem “It’s Raining Men,” was “part of the tribe”—only to discover otherwise in the most delightfully awkward way.
The mix-up came to light when Bob shared a juicy anecdote about meeting Shaffer at the Let’s Get L.Aid benefit show in Los Angeles earlier this year. The star-studded event, which raised funds for L.A. Wildfire Relief, featured a lineup of heavyweights like Weird Al Yankovic, Margaret Cho, Eric Idle, Maria Bamford, and Rufus Wainwright. While reminiscing about the night, Bob recounted his shock upon learning that Shaffer, whom he assumed was gay due to his role in co-writing the Weather Girls’ 1982 hit “It’s Raining Men,” was happily married to a woman. “I thought he was gay for so long,” Bob quipped, “and then I met him recently, and he was like, ‘This is my wife!’ I said, ‘Oh!’ Well, you learn something new every day.”
The revelation, delivered with Bob’s signature humor, turned what could have been a simple misunderstanding into a viral moment, proving once again why he’s a master at turning personal gaffes into universal entertainment. The “Letterman letter” that never was—a fictional nod to the assumption about Shaffer’s identity—became the perfect metaphor for Bob’s ability to spin a story into cultural gold.
While dishing on “It’s Raining Men,” Bob shared his love for the track’s enduring legacy in queer spaces. The song, co-written by Shaffer and Paul Jabara, remains a staple at gay nightclubs, and Bob has a foolproof way to spot the seasoned fans. “If you’re ever in a gay bar, and you hear this song, look around,” he told EW. “Every queer over 35 years old will do the clap. You know where it is. That’s how you know someone is over 35 years old. And also the knee pain.” His playful observation not only celebrates the song’s iconic status but also underscores Bob’s knack for connecting with audiences through shared cultural touchstones.
The Weather Girls’ powerhouse vocals and the song’s campy, exuberant energy have cemented its place in queer history. Bob’s high praise—”The singing is so good, it’s so iconic”—reminds us why the track continues to resonate, uniting generations of fans in a joyous, clap-worthy moment.
Bob the Drag Queen’s journey from New York’s drag circuit to mainstream stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. After storming into the RuPaul’s Drag Race Werk Room “purse-first” in Season 7, Bob’s charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent propelled him to the crown. But he didn’t stop there. Leveraging his win, Bob transformed into a multi-hyphenate force: author, musician, actor, activist, and podcast host. His acting roles in the Tales of the City reboot and HBO’s We’re Here showcased his versatility, while his advocacy for Black and queer communities amplified his voice beyond the stage.
Bob’s global presence grew with his solo This Is Wild world tour and a coveted spot performing alongside Madonna on her Celebration Tour in the U.S. Yet, it was his unforgettable stint on Season 4 of The Traitors that cemented his status as a mainstream icon. Whether trading barbs with Boston Rob Mariano, strategizing with Carolyn Wiger, or playfully dubbing Dylan Efron “Miss Guided,” Bob’s magnetic presence turned him into a meme-generating sensation and a vital advocate for drag visibility.
Bob the Drag Queen’s Entertainment Weekly video is more than just a collection of funny anecdotes—it’s a testament to his ability to break barriers while staying true to his roots. With every quip, performance, and project, Bob paves the way for queer artists to shine in mainstream spaces. His knack for turning a simple misunderstanding about Paul Shaffer into a viral moment proves he’s not just a drag superstar but a cultural force. One day, Bob himself may be remembered as a defining queer moment—a legacy built on authenticity, humor, and an unshakable commitment to lifting others up.