The Vivienne was subjected to violent homophobic attack that left star deeply shaken

Drag superstar The Vivienne, who died suddenly at the weekend, sadly declared 'homophobia is alive and well' after they were punched in a McDonald's in June 2023

RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne was an LGBTQ+ icon, however that didn't stop them from being targeted for the way they looked.

The 32-year-old, who tragically died over the weekend, rose to fame after being crowned winner of the first series of the BBC drag competition before returning to the US All Stars Winners season in 2022. The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, went on to star in several shows including a special episode of Emmerdale and in ITV's Dancing On Ice.

During their time in the limelight, the Welsh performer became vocal about the rights of LGBTQ+ and was a pioneer in breaking down barriers with representation on TV. However in 2023, they were subjected to a horrific 'homophobic' attack at a McDonald's in Liverpool.

At the time, they took to Twitter, now X, to explain what had happened, writing: "Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. Homophobia alive and well folks! First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women. #pieceofs**t."

The Vivienne later provided an update, thanking staff at the fast-food restaurant. "Thank you all for you concern, the police have been great and I believe the culprit has been been found," they told their followers. "Two lovely ladies just came and complimented my hair and said I look lovely, what a stark contrast of people we have on this planet! All in a day huh? A punch and a compliment.

"Huge thank you to the fantastic staff at @McDonaldsUK Edge Lane who acted fast and removed the idiot from the premises and did everything in their power to make sure I was ok and waited for police with me." They added: "HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!"

After being left shaken by the ambush on Saturday, June 17, James shared a heartfelt message from their mum. Sharing an Instagram caption, they penned: "Today I thought I’d wake up and it would be like a normal day, but I think in 31 years this one has shook me.

"Then mum sent me this bless her. I haven’t experienced hate like that for years, never mind in the middle of the day. Done nothing but make me use my voice louder and clearer!" The message read: "Hi to everyone out there. As a very proud mother of James (Vivienne) I want to share my heartfelt sorrow for the terrible situation that has recently happened.

"To hear that my most talented son was attacked in Liverpool was not only shocking and disgraceful but really upsetting for me and my family. Those of you that have known James/Viv will be aware of the love, passion and commitment to the Liverpool community that he has shared.

"Upholding and raising the profile of the LGBTQ+ community he has made a huge difference to the lives of so many people who have gained confidence and self belief to come forward to identify as they choose and live a life where they are happy and fulfilled. As James/Vivs mother I was relieved to hear this attack was dealt with appropriately by both the police and the employer. This should not and cannot be tolerated in contemporary society."

This time last year on January 5, 2024, the man who punched The Vivienne received a 12-week jail term, suspended for 18 months, after being found guilty of the assault at Liverpool Magistrates'. Alan Whitfield, 51, admitted to assaulting the drag star but denied it was motivated by homophobia.

He claimed he was having "banter" because he thought they looked like an 'Oompa Loompa from Charlie And The Chocolate Factory'. At the sentencing, District Judge Paul Healey told him: "Your behaviour was really appalling. The most serious aggravating feature of the offence is the fact that it was motivated by hostility to the victim because of their sexual orientation."

The judge also noted the assault took place at about noon in an enclosed public area in the presence of children, who had to be moved out of harm's way. He said he stepped back from imposing immediate custody because of the defendant’s lack of recent and relevant convictions and the impact on his mother, who has severe health difficulties and relies on Whitfield as her primary carer.

During a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court, Mr Williams said he had been subjected to a "barrage of abuse" from Whitfield. Recalling the incident, The Vivienne said: "He carried on, then after the fourth 'look at the state of you' I said 'look at the state of you', I said 'look at the state of your face', to which he said 'I've got skin cancer' and then punched me straight in the face."

Williams, who moved to Liverpool as a teenager, shared his experience of the day he was attacked. He said: "There were countless other people in the branch of McDonald's that day, why didn't he start on anyone else? Why did he choose to publicly humiliate me and then hit me, if it wasn't for my image or me being quite evidently gay?"

The court heard the 999 call Williams made after the attack, where he stated: "He obviously knew I was gay, it doesn't take a rocket scientist." However, Whitfield, a scaffolder at the time, claimed he noticed Williams because of his green hair. Whitfield told the court he asked Williams: "What have you come as, an Oompa Loompa?" He explained to the magistrates what an Oompa Loompa was and insisted his comments were just "banter". He also claimed he didn't know Williams was gay or notice his handbag.

Whitfield admitted to hitting Williams after he pointed out skin cancer marks on his face. He said: "I was very hurt, very very angry." In response, Williams admitted to pointing out Whitfield's skin cancer marks and saying: "Made up for you." The Drag Race UK winner added: "For that I truly apologise, that must have hurt, that was never intended."

The Vivienne's death was confirmed on Sunday and shared by publicist and pal Simon Jones. He took to Twitter/X to share a statement that read: "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. We please ask that James's family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."