NBA icon Charles Barkley's surprising link to a RuPaul's Drag Race contestant shocks fans

Worlds collided and minds were blown on the latest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Sam Star, a drag queen competing on season 17 of the show, revealed her godfather is none other than NBA icon Charles Barkley. 

The connection shocked RuPaul and viewers alike, with Star revealing Barkley is 'best friends' with her mother and even went to high school with her. 

Not only that, but 'Uncle Charles' has even attended one of Star's drag shows - and 'of course' left a tip.  

'You have a relationship with Charles Barkley,' RuPaul, 64, said on Friday's episode. 'I do!' Sam replied.

'How is that possible?' RuPaul asked.

'He is my godfather! So he went to high school with my mom and they're best friends. So he played a big role in raising me... I'm sure he's proud that I'm now a drag queen and not a basketball player,' Sam said.

'He's actually come to my drag shows before!' Sam revealed.

A selfie of Barkley supporting Star at one of his drag shows was then shown on screen. 

'Did he tip you?' RuPaul asked.

'Of course he tipped me!' Sam insisted.

Fans were stunned by the revelation, with many saying the surprise connection had left them 'gagging.' 

'Finding out that Charles Barkley's godchild is a drag queen (and a RuPaul's Drag Race Queen at that) NOT on my Bingo card, but I am here for it!' one wrote. 

'I am gagging,' one posted. 'I never knew that NBA legend Charles Barkley is the godfather of "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 17 star. Very cool.'

'LMFAAAOOOO not sam star and charles barkley being relatives,' one posted with a string of laughing-crying emojis. 'What is happening in this multiverse.' 

'Charles Barkley being Sam Star's godfather is so random but so gaggy at the same time,' one account wrote. 

Another called the connection 'iconic': 'Okay I'm watching the episode and uhhh CHARLES BARKLEY IS SAM STAR'S GODFATHER? iconic.'  

In an interview with People, Star revealed her godfather is generous tipper who has seen her perform in drag several times, with the most recent show of support being in 2023.

'He's an entertainer himself, so I think he enjoys the art and the magic of it,' she said.

'Every time we're at the drag show and he's tipping, the girls are living. Because he's not giving singles, he's giving big bills.'

'He's always been supportive, and that's why I've always loved him so much, because he's very outspoken about supporting the queer community,' she said.

Barkley's support despite backlash means 'a lot' to Star.

'And he's gotten lots of backlash for that, but he stands toes down for that, and that always has meant a lot to me,' Star said.