Transgender YouTuber Nikita Dragun Released From Jail After Reportedly Being Held in Men’s Unit, Jail Rep Claims Influencer Was In ‘Holding Cell By Herself’ 

Nikita Dragun

Transgender YouTuber Nikita Dragun Released From Jail After Reportedly Being Held in Men’s Unit, Jail Rep Claims Influencer Was In ‘Holding Cell By Herself’ 

Nikita Dragun was allegedly misgendered during her almost-week stay behind bars. 

On Monday (Nov. 7) Popular transgender YouTuber Nikita Dragun was arrested and charged with felony assault of a police officer. According to reports, per Dragun’s arrest affidavit, the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department noted that the influencer,

“appears as a female but would like to be recognized as a male.”

In addition, the affidavit reportedly listed Nikita Dragun as a male who uses the pronouns “he” and “him.” This comes as a shock being that Dragun — who boasts 27 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok — refers to herself online using “she” and “her” pronouns. She’s seemingly used these pronouns since transitioning back in 2015. It’s also important to note that in video footage of Dragun’s hearing she verbally listed her pronouns as “she” and “her” and asked to be removed from the men’s unit. She said,

“Your honor, may I ask one question? Do I have to stay here in the men’s unit still?”

WATCH: Transgender social media influencer Nikita Dragun appeared in Miami-Dade bond court Tuesday following her arrest in Miami Beach. She asked Judge Mindy Glazer if she had to remain in the men's unit while in jail.

Full video and story here: https://t.co/xBT2njXayC pic.twitter.com/HdaqZlM3DJ

— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) November 9, 2022

Nikita Dragun

The 26-year-old was recently released on recognizance, which means she did not have to post bail. Upon her release, Dragun’s rep released a statement addressing the incident and accused authorities of misgendering the content creator. Jack Ketsoyan said:

“The situation with Nikita, who is legally female, being placed in a men’s unit of a Florida jail is extremely disturbing and dangerous. This decision made by the Miami-Dade County Corrections Department directly violates their protocol, which mandates that transgender inmates are classified and housed based on safety needs and gender identity. Nikita has been released and is now safe. Thank you for respecting her privacy during this time.”

Nikita Dragun

However, A rep for Miami-Dade Corrections released a statement claiming the influencer was never in the men’s unit. They said,

“Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation Department (MDCR) is committed to protecting the rights of the transgender community and of all LGBTQ people. MDCR has procedures in place for the appropriate intake, housing, and medical needs of transgender inmates, and we are committed to ensuring that all inmates in our custody, including transgender persons, are treated appropriately throughout our intake, classification and placement process.”

They added,

“Inmate Dragun never made it beyond the booking process prior to release; therefore, she was never placed in a men’s unit. All inmates undergoing our intake process remain in an open seating (open booking) area, in the presence of correctional staff. Additionally, inmate Dragun was placed in a holding cell by herself due to her high profile status before being released, and she was escorted by an LGBTQ officer during her time at the corrections facility.”

According to the arrest report, Dragun allegedly swung an open water bottle at police officers and a hotel security guard. She was also charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor disorderly conduct after she allegedly threw water on a separate hotel staffer and walked around the hotel’s pool area naked. The model’s arraignment hearing is scheduled for Dec. 7 in Miami.

What are your thoughts on the YouTuber’s arrest? Share it with us in the comments below.

[VIA 1,2]