Drag Race legend The Vivienne's sudden death has devastated fans all over the globe and was more shocking because they had big plans for 2025 including moving into a new home
Drag Race icon The Vivienne tragically passed away on the weekend, and fans have been left devastated. It was a shock to drag fans from all over the globe, especially due to their big 2025 plans.
The TV star, who won the first series of UK Drag Race, passed away on the weekend and their publicist announced the sad news to fans on social media. He penned: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. 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.”
A spokesman for Cheshire Police also confirmed officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday (January 5) following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: "Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner."
Vile comments
Sadly, The Vivienne was bombarded with horrific online abuse in the lead-up to their death. They starred on Blankety Blank on Boxing Day and was hounded by homophobic trolls on social media.
Fellow drag queen and pal Myra Dubois commented: “After appearing on Blankety Blank over Christmas, they were bombarded with a slew of homophobic abuse.”
“The homophobia that The Vivienne faced days before her death breaks my heart”, she said, adding that the amount of hate she received has “compounded the tragedy of her passing”.
Big plans
In the days leading up to their death, it appears the star, had been busy making exciting plans for 2025. They were also planning to reportedly move into a new £400,000 house and had booked a holiday. A source told The Sun: “James was due to move to a £400,000 house next week, and had a holiday lined up. They were planning a tour and really had everything to live for."
The friend of the drag star also shared that Viv was found by their distraught dad and stepmum on Sunday (January 5). They added: "Their devastated dad raised the alarm and believed they had passed away a day or two before being found."
Charitable gesture
The talent performer's final social media post was dedicated to a charity supporting a Liverpool-based LGBTQ+ community and was posted on Thursday 2nd January. They shared: "Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it."
The charity is Liverpool's LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, with the website detailing the work it does as it states: "We’ve been supporting our LGBTQ+ communities and people living with HIV across the Liverpool City Region since 1985, creating connections and building a brighter, healthier, inclusive future for those we serve."
Fans commented underneath the post and said: "In peace, so sorry to your friends and family. We shared a cigarette once, I’ll never forget it. Thanks for the laugh.
Another added: "Come back Viv…please." While a third penned: "You will forever leave a mark on queer pop culture, you are insanely talented and brilliant person. Thank you, please rest in peace and in power, sweet soul."
English (US) ·