RuPaul's Drag Race Alum Lucian Piane Dead Hours After Jail Release
The producer and songwriter was fatally struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California, shortly after being released from custody.
Lucian Piane, a producer, songwriter, and judge for RuPaul's Drag Race, died early Monday in Glendale, California, after being fatally struck by a vehicle. Piane, 46, had been released from jail just hours before the incident.
Glendale police confirmed Piane was arrested Sunday in connection with misdemeanor assault. Sources told TMZ that the arrest stemmed from an alleged altercation at an Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel, where Piane was accused of throwing a water bottle at a manager and accusing them of running a prostitution ring. Hotel staff also alleged Piane was smoking in a non-smoking area, refused to leave when asked, and spat at workers.
Piane was reportedly cooperative with officers during his arrest, identifying himself as a Hollywood writer. Police sources told TMZ he exhibited manic behavior and spoke incoherently at times, though he denied using drugs. He was booked at 7:42 p.m. Sunday and released at 11:49 p.m., approximately five hours before he was hit by a car.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled Piane's death accidental, citing blunt trauma. Police stated Piane was walking erratically at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Harvard Street when he was struck by a northbound vehicle. The driver showed no signs of impairment, distraction, or vehicle code violations.
Piane, also known online as RevoLucian, gained internet fame for his satirical techno remixes, most notably "Bale Out," which incorporated audio from Christian Bale's notorious on-set tirade during the filming of "Terminator Salvation."
This is not the first time Piane has had legal troubles. In August 2019, he was arrested at gunpoint in Los Angeles for refusing to leave a Chase bank. He had also been arrested twice earlier that month for felony vandalism and trespassing.
In 2017, Piane publicly criticized RuPaul's Drag Race, calling it "bastardized drag" and claiming RuPaul was motivated solely by money. He had previously made anti-Semitic and racial remarks online in late 2016, later apologizing and attributing his behavior to drug-induced psychosis, stating he was using marijuana to treat an undiagnosed medical issue.