Doctor Who Star Jinkx Monsoon Responds to Season 14 Backlash

Jinkx Monsoon, the actor portraying the music-stealing villain Maestro in Episode 2 (‘The Devil’s Chord’) of Season 14 of Doctor Who, has taken a stand against the negative comments surrounding the show’s comeback.

In the most recent installment, Maestro, a villain from the popular TV show Doctor Who, is portrayed by Jinkx Monsoon, a two-time winner of Drag Race. Maestro possesses a dangerous power to take music away from the world. The latest season of this well-established series features Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor, making history as the first Black man (and non-UK native) to take on the role of the iconic Time Lord.

Despite being a well-known and respected fact, it is disheartening that this information (in addition to Gatwa being an openly Queer actor) received negative responses on the internet, including discriminatory and prejudiced remarks. When interviewed by Variety, Monsoon did not hesitate to condemn the hate.

“In the past, I would attempt to discuss this in a diplomatic manner, but now, my true sentiment is: who cares about the thoughts of bigots?”she stated. “An alternative and hopeful perspective is that the general consensus is not in their favor.”

Jinkx Monsoon as Maestro in Doctor Who 'The Devil's Chord' — BBC/Disney+

“Despite their decreasing numbers, this group remains incredibly vocal and their volume only seems to be increasing. Each time they lash out in this manner, the Conservative Right continues to wage a relentless attack against trans individuals, queer individuals, and people of color. Although they may deny it, their actions speak for themselves.”

According to Monsoon, the potential impact of the backlash on the series is not a concern. In fact, she believes the fandom is growing.

“Despite the loss of some transphobic, racist, and bigoted Doctor Who fans this season, there is still a steady number of viewers. In fact, for every one fan we lose, there are three to five new fans who are drawn to the show for its representation. To those who do not truly appreciate the show, I simply say, ‘Do not let the door hit you on your way out’.”