The world of RuPaul’s Drag Race is mourning the loss of one of its stars, The Vivienne, who has died at the age of 32. Fans have been visiting the performer’s Instagram account to express their condolences and honor their memory.
Known offstage as James Lee Williams, The Vivienne gained fame by winning the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The stage name was inspired by the iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, whose creations Williams often wore.
The heartbreaking news of their passing was shared by their publicist on Sunday evening, January 5th.
In an Instagram post, publicist Simon Jones stated: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”
“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”
He further requested, “We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The drag community and fans alike have been leaving tributes on The Vivienne’s most recent social media post, which was a video supporting a fundraising campaign for Sahir House, a longstanding LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region that also aids individuals living with HIV.
Williams had written: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpool’s oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”
Comments from fans on Instagram reflected their shock and sorrow. One user said: “Oh Viv what a hole you have left, but a legacy even greater. We will miss your magic, thank you for every laugh you ever gave us.”
Another wrote: “Wait how???? I was just rewatching your season and checking up on you, im so heartbroken.”
A third fan commented: “This has devastated me wtf. My fave drag queen of all time, what a loss to the drag community, the funniest queen there ever was. So young and talented, I’m lost for words.”
Sahir House also shared its grief, describing Williams as ‘absolutely heartbroken’ by the loss of their ‘friend, ambassador, and so much more.’
The post paid tribute: “You carried Liverpool’s spirit with pride, lighting up the world with your humour, heart, and courage. You stood tall for our community and gave so many hope just by being unapologetically you. You’ve left an indelible mark, and we’ll never forget the joy and strength you brought to so many.”
“Rest easy, queen. You’ll always be a part of our story,” it concluded.
The organization offered support to anyone affected by Williams’ death, providing contact information for those needing assistance: “For more information, please email us at [email protected] or call 0151 673 0192. Let’s continue to support one another, just as The Vivienne would have wanted.”
For those who have experienced a loss and wish to talk to someone confidentially, GrieveWell can be reached at (734) 975-0238, or via email at [email protected].