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The truth star was solely 32 years outdated.
“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 beloved, warm-hearted and wonderful individual. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so happy with the fantastic issues James achieved of their life and profession.”
On the time, the general public was unaware of The Vivienne’s explanation for dying.
However now we all know what occurred.
In an announcement to Folks Journal on Monday, Jones stated his consumer 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 data we will increase consciousness concerning the risks of ongoing ketamine utilization and what it might probably do your physique.
“Ketamine utilization is on the rise, notably amongst younger folks, and I don’t suppose the total risks of the drug are being mentioned.”
Jones additionally stated there will probably be “a proper inquest” into The Vivienne’s dying in June.
The drag queen’s sister, Chanel Williams, added in a statement to Attitude:
“We proceed to be utterly devastated by James’s sudden dying.
“Ketamine is a particularly harmful drug that’s changing into increasingly prevalent within the UK.
“If we can assist increase consciousness of the risks of this drug, and assist individuals who could also be coping with ketamine dependancy, then one thing constructive 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 pals.”
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 simple expertise that got here to outline them, the documentary goals to be greater than only a celebration of a stunning profession, but additionally to honour their profound impression on the drag neighborhood and past; guaranteeing that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.
