RuPaul speaks out after drag queen The Vivienne dies aged 32
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, Rupauls Drag Race, Rupaul
Jess Hardiman
Featured Image Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images/Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images
Topics: TV And Film, Celebrity, Rupauls Drag Race, Rupaul
RuPaul has spoken out about the tragic death of Drag Race star The Vivienne, who passed away at the age of 32.
The drag star, also known as James Lee Williams, rose to fame after taking home the first ever RuPaul's Drag Race UK crown, taking inspiration from fashion designer Vivienne Westwood with their signature style and name.
They later competed in the All Stars: All Winners season across the pond, and has since forged a successful musical theatre career in the likes of The Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
It was their publicist, Simon Jones, who broke the news of Williams' untimely death, saying in a heartfelt statement: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
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"James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.
"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.
"We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James's family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
In a follow-up post captioned 'goodbye my beautiful friend', Jones wrote: "No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last five years.”
He continued: "It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend, You left us way too soon.”
Tributes have been pouring in from the Drag Race community and beyond, including from RuPaul himself.
"With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne - an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being," he wrote in an Instagram post.
Host Michelle Visage said she felt 'utterly heartbroken', adding: "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
"Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
"I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high."
Meanwhile, fellow RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash said: "I'm so sorry. I'm in total shock."
And The Vivienne's All Stars co-star, Jinkx Monsoon, wrote: "I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.
"It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv."