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The fact star was solely 32 years outdated.
“It’s with immense disappointment that we let you realize 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 beloved, warm-hearted and superb individual. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so happy with the great issues James achieved of their life and profession.”
On the time, the general public was unaware of The Vivienne’s explanation for loss of life.
However now we all know what occurred.
In an announcement to Folks Journal on Monday, Jones mentioned his shopper died “from the consequences of ketamine use inflicting a cardiac arrest,” including to the outlet:
“James’s household and I really feel it is very important say how James tragically died…
“I hope that by us releasing this data we are able to elevate consciousness in regards to the risks of ongoing ketamine utilization and what it could 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 mentioned there might 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 a particularly harmful drug that’s turning into increasingly more prevalent within the UK.
“If we may also help elevate consciousness of the risks of this drug, and assist individuals who could also be coping with ketamine habit, then one thing constructive will come from this entire tragedy.”
All through their profession, James was open about their previous struggles with drug habit, particularly when it got here to ketamine.
In a 2019 episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they mentioned their four-year battle with habit, attributing it partly to the demanding way of life 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 associates.”
The synopsis reads as follows:
The heartfelt documentary, made by, and that includes those who knew and beloved 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 means of 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 plain expertise that got here to outline them, the documentary goals to be greater than only a celebration of a blinding profession, but additionally to honour their profound affect on the drag group and past; guaranteeing that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.
