Bryan Watkins, a former contestant on the reality show �RuPaul�s Drag Race�
and current performer in Las Vegas, is defending himself over a viral video
clip that allegedly shows him stealing money from a woman�s purse.

The incident occurred at a Drag Brunch event in Vegas where Watkins performs
under the identity of �Shannel,� TMZ reported. A TikTok clip showing the
reality star reaching into a woman�s purse as part of a gag during the show
has more than four million views as of Thursday, especially after the woman
claimed Watkins pocketed her money without permission.

The publication says they spoke with Watkins and he claims he only took
several dollars as a joke. But the alleged theft victim tells a different
story.

Megan Gerber said she had over $1,000 in her bag since she was there
celebrating her birthday and accused the performer of taking out $700. The
video does not make it clear how much money was actually taken.

A video posted to TikTok by Megan Gerber shows former �Drag Race�
contestant Shannel, whose real name is Bryan Watkins, removing cash
from a purse while the audience looks on.
(2/8)https://t.co/IIahrEttv3

� Jay Valle (@OfficialJValle) August 18, 2022

Gerber shared details of what happened in a series of TikTok videos. Over the
weekend, Gerber was at the Mexican-themed bar and grill franchise Se�or
Frogs, per NBC News. Gerber claims that after the incident, Watkins asked her
from the stage why she looked so upset. Gerber publicly accused Watkins of
stealing her money, to which Watkins allegedly replied, �B****, please, I
took a dollar.�

�There were tables next to us that saw him take the wad of cash out of my
wallet, and nobody told him he could go into my purse,� Gerber explains in
one of the videos. She says she sought out the venue manager and later
reported what happened to local authorities.

Watkins alleges that the venue manager paid Gerber $700 cash in a good faith
payment plus refunded her cost of admission, per TMZ.

Las Vegas police confirmed in an email to NBC News that they had received
Gerber�s larceny report. A spokesperson said the case �will be turned over to
that bureau or detective to do a followup or investigation.�

Watkins posted an 11-minute Instagram video defending himself and further
explaining the incident. The post, titled �In My Words,� includes the drag
performer apologizing to Gerber and detailing how the whole thing was
supposed to be a joke.

While many commenters expressed their support, they also agreed that touching
Gerber�s purse was a huge mistake.

�It�s common sense to not go into anyone [sic] personal belongings wether
[sic] it�s a joke or not. That simple. I love and support drag queens but
definitely feel some feel that they can get with things people normal can�t
just because they�re a performer,� one follower shared.

--
Let's go Brandon!