Photos of U.S. Sen. JD Vance allegedly dressed in drag at a 2012 Halloween party during his time at Yale Law School have resurfaced, sparking a widespread backlash.
Pictures that have surfaced online show Vance in a blonde wig, shirt, and skirt.
The controversy began when Matt Bernstein shared the photos on X with the caption, “New: Got a photo of JD Vance in drag at Yale Law School.” Travis Whitfill, who provided the photos, confirmed their authenticity, stating, “This was taken in 2012. .. A classmate took the photo and sent it to me.”
When the pictures went viral, they became the target of online ridicule, with one user joking: “I feel cute. He might run for vice president later.” However, some have come to Vance’s side, claiming the photos have been misrepresented. One user commented: “People consider wearing a wig at a college party offensive? That’s an insult, friends.”
Critics focused on Vance’s perceived hypocrisy rather than the photographs themselves. One user wrote, “Call him a hypocrite and a bigot for demonizing others who wear drag,” pointing out the discrepancy between the photos and Vance’s public views on drag.
The re-emergence of photos of US Senator JD Vance allegedly dressed in a bag has sparked a firestorm of online debate. While the images themselves were initially met with derision, they ultimately highlighted a deeper issue for Vance: the perceived hypocrisy of his public stance on drag culture. Critics point to his past comments and accuse him of undermining the very cause he once championed, further intensifying scrutiny of his political positions.
Despite the backlash, some defended Vance, saying the photos were taken out of context and that wearing a wig to a college party didn’t equate to engaging in drag culture. Nevertheless, the controversy left a lasting mark on Vance’s reputation and fueled debate about the consistency and authenticity of his political and social views. Whether the scandal will have long-term consequences remains to be seen, but it has certainly added a layer of complexity to his public image and political career.