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RPDR Finalist Lexi Love Responds to Copyright Allegations Over Stage Name
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RuPaul’s Drag Race season 17 finalist Lexi Love, whose legal name is Clair Barnes, has become embroiled in a high-profile trademark dispute following claims that her stage name violates intellectual property rights held by another individual. The claimant, a self-identified “AI Architect and Sustainable Fashion Entrepreneur” who also uses the name Lexi Love, alleges that Barnes’s use of the name on social media, performance platforms, and music releases constitutes copyright infringement.
The situation escalated when the claimant reportedly began contacting social media platforms and streaming services, requesting the removal of Barnes’s content and performances under the disputed name. According to Barnes, these actions have resulted in the cancellation of three scheduled performances and the suspension of several online profiles.
On August 24, Lexi Love issued a formal statement to Out, a leading LGBTQ+ media outlet, refuting the copyright allegations and expressing concern over the impact on her career and personal well-being. In her message, Barnes emphasized that her stage name was chosen as an homage to her own journey and artistic vision, not to infringe on anyone’s intellectual property.
She stated, “The name Lexi Love represents my story as a queer artist and survivor. It’s heartbreaking to see my work being taken down and my identity questioned because of a legal technicality. I respect the importance of copyright, but I hope we can find a solution that honors creative expression and the lives behind these names.”
Barnes also appealed to the LGBTQ+ community for support, noting that drag performers often adopt stage names as part of their self-expression and cultural heritage. She continued, “Drag is about transformation, visibility, and resilience. The name we choose is part of our story. I hope other artists and fans will stand with me as we navigate this challenge together.”
Trademark disputes over stage names are not uncommon in the entertainment industry, particularly for drag performers and LGBTQ+ artists whose chosen names may overlap with existing trademarks. The current conflict highlights the intersection of legal frameworks and personal identity—a topic of ongoing discussion within queer communities.
Legal experts note that trademark law is designed to protect commercial interests and prevent consumer confusion, but it can have unintended consequences for artists who use their stage names as a form of self-expression. “Trademark law is complex and often does not account for the cultural and personal significance of chosen names in LGBTQ+ communities,” said entertainment attorney Alex Ramirez in a statement to Out. “Resolving these disputes requires sensitivity to both legal rights and the identities at stake.”
While the claimant has reportedly trademarked the name Lexi Love for commercial use, Barnes maintains that her adoption of the name as a stage persona is protected under artistic freedom. The outcome of this dispute may set a precedent for future cases involving LGBTQ+ performers and intellectual property claims.
The controversy has generated significant debate on social media and within LGBTQ+ circles. Many fans and fellow artists have voiced support for Lexi Love, arguing that intellectual property laws should respect the unique practices of drag culture, where stage names are central to identity, history, and visibility.
Advocacy organizations are also weighing in. The Human Rights Campaign released a statement urging all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and understanding over litigation. “We encourage creative communities and copyright holders to seek solutions that honor both legal rights and the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ artists,” the statement read.
As the dispute unfolds, Barnes continues to perform and engage with fans, determined to maintain her visibility and artistic integrity. The outcome may have wider repercussions for drag performers and LGBTQ+ artists navigating the complexities of intellectual property law in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.
