Studying Time: 3 minutes
We now have an replace on the tragic passing of The Vivienne.
As beforehand reported, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 — who additionally appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 — died in January.
The performer was born as James Lee Williams in Colwyn Bay, Wales.
The truth star was solely 32 years previous.
“It’s with immense disappointment that we let you understand our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has handed this weekend,” The Vivienne’s supervisor, Simon Jones, wrote in an announcement again then.
“James was an extremely liked, warm-hearted and wonderful individual. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so pleased with the fantastic issues James achieved of their life and profession.”
On the time, the general public was unaware of The Vivienne’s reason for loss of life.
However now we all know what occurred.
In an announcement to Individuals Journal on Monday, Jones stated his shopper died “from the results of ketamine use inflicting a cardiac arrest,” including to the outlet:
“James’s household and I really feel you will need to say how James tragically died…
“I hope that by us releasing this info we are able to elevate consciousness concerning the risks of ongoing ketamine utilization and what it may well do your physique.
“Ketamine utilization is on the rise, significantly amongst younger individuals, and I don’t suppose the complete risks of the drug are being mentioned.”
Jones additionally stated there shall be “a proper inquest” into The Vivienne’s loss of life in June.
The drag queen’s sister, Chanel Williams, added in a assertion to Perspective:
“We proceed to be utterly devastated by James’s sudden loss of life.
“Ketamine is an especially harmful drug that’s changing into increasingly more prevalent within the UK.
“If we might help elevate consciousness of the risks of this drug, and assist individuals who could also be coping with ketamine dependancy, then one thing optimistic will come from this whole tragedy.”
All through their profession, James was open about their previous struggles with drug dependancy, particularly when it got here to ketamine.
In a 2019 episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they mentioned their four-year battle with dependancy, attributing it partly to the demanding life-style of a drag entertainer.
This up to date announcement comes after World of Marvel, the media firm behind the Drag Race franchise, introduced a brand new documentary, Expensive Viv, is now in manufacturing with “the blessing of James’ household and mates.”
The synopsis reads as follows:
The heartfelt documentary, made by, and that includes people who knew and liked them, will element the life and legacy of The Vivienne and pay tribute to the beloved drag celebrity who left an indelible mark on the world earlier than their passing in January 2025.
By a compelling mix of archival footage, intimate interviews with family members together with Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli & Danny Beard, and deeply private letters from followers, the movie sensitively traces James’s journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Showcasing their unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit and simple expertise that got here to outline them, the documentary goals to be greater than only a celebration of a stunning profession, but in addition to honour their profound influence on the drag group and past; making certain that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.
