Gottmik DUI arrest Burbank Drag Race — the phrase dominated fan conversations this weekend after TMZ reported that RuPaul’s Drag Race star Gottmik was arrested for driving under the influence in Burbank, California. According to Just Jared reported (citing TMZ), the incident took place on September 16 and involved the performer’s black Porsche and multiple parked vehicles.
Gottmik, whose offstage name is Kade Gottlieb, is 30 and is best known as the first trans man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he appeared on season 13. The arrest marks an unexpected legal development for a star who has become one of the most visible LGBTQ+ figures in mainstream entertainment.
What happened during the Gottmik DUI arrest in Burbank
According to the report, Burbank police responded to a collision involving Gottmik’s black Porsche and multiple parked vehicles on September 16. Officers at the scene determined that he showed objective signs of alcohol intoxication, TMZ reported, and he was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Few additional details about the incident have been publicly confirmed. It is unconfirmed whether anyone was injured in the collision, and the specific circumstances leading up to the crash have not been detailed in the reporting. Gottmik was released from custody the following day, according to the report.
Key details from the report
The verified facts, as attributed by Just Jared to TMZ’s reporting, are limited but specific: the date of the incident was September 16, the location was Burbank, the vehicle involved was Gottmik’s black Porsche, multiple parked vehicles were struck, officers observed objective signs of intoxication, and the performer was arrested for DUI and released the next day. Any details beyond these should be treated as unconfirmed unless reported by the underlying sources or law enforcement.

Gottmik’s career and significance on Drag Race
Gottmik rose to national attention as a finalist on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 13, competing under the name that has since become a staple of queer pop culture. As the first trans man to compete on the flagship series, his casting was widely covered as a milestone moment for trans representation in mainstream reality television.
Since his season, Gottmik has remained a fixture of the Drag Race universe, appearing in franchise specials, touring internationally, and building a significant social media following. He has also moved into mainstream fashion and beauty spaces, collaborating with major brands and appearing at high-profile industry events. His arrest arrives at a moment when his public profile continues to grow, making the reported incident particularly notable to entertainment watchers.
Why the Burbank incident is drawing attention
DUI arrests involving public figures invariably attract scrutiny, but the circumstances described in this case — a collision involving multiple parked vehicles — add gravity to the reporting. According to the accounts, police were responding to the crash itself when they encountered Gottmik and formed the basis for the arrest.
As with any arrest, it is important to note that the reported charges are as reported by TMZ via Just Jared; an arrest is not a conviction, and no information about formal charges, court dates, or legal proceedings has been confirmed in the available reporting. Representatives for Gottmik have not publicly commented on the incident in the reports published so far, so further context remains unconfirmed.
Fans of the performer have reacted with a mix of concern and support across social media, though no official statement from Gottmik or his team had surfaced at the time of writing. Celebrity legal stories move quickly, and this one is likely to develop as more verified information becomes available.
Burbank and celebrity DUI arrests
Burbank, home to several major studios, has long been a familiar setting for celebrity-adjacent incidents, and DUI enforcement in the area remains a regular fixture of local policing. For readers following entertainment legal news, it is worth remembering that the justice system treats these cases as matters of public record — and that full details often emerge only after police reports or court filings are released.
In a different but related note, celebrity health and legal stories have been prominent this month — fellow entertainer Carrot Top was released from hospital following a reported suicide attempt, a story that likewise raised questions about the pressures of public life.

What happens next
For now, the facts stand as reported: a September 16 arrest in Burbank on suspicion of DUI following a multi-vehicle collision involving Gottmik’s Porsche, and a release the following day. Whether formal charges will be filed, and what court proceedings may follow, remains unconfirmed. Readers should look to verified updates from the original reporting outlets or official law enforcement statements as this story develops.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Gottmik?
Gottmik (Kade Gottlieb), 30, is a drag performer best known as the first trans man to compete on RuPaul’s Drag Race, where he was a finalist on season 13. He has since become a prominent figure in fashion, beauty, and LGBTQ+ entertainment.
What happened in the Gottmik DUI arrest in Burbank?
According to Just Jared citing TMZ, Burbank police responded to a collision on September 16 involving Gottmik’s black Porsche and multiple parked vehicles. Officers determined he showed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and arrested him on suspicion of DUI. He was released the next day.
Has Gottmik commented on the arrest?
As of the reporting, no public statement from Gottmik or his representatives has been confirmed. Any claimed quotes circulating online should be treated as unconfirmed unless attributed by a verified outlet.
Has Gottmik been charged?
The available reporting describes an arrest on suspicion of DUI. No information about formal charges or court proceedings has been confirmed, and an arrest is not a conviction.