News broke over the weekend that RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 winner James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, has sadly passed away at the age of 32. Tributes have poured in for the star, including one from host RuPaul.
Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne Passes Away
On Sunday, Williams’ manager Simon Jones posted a statement on Instagram confirming their death, writing, “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed away this weekend.”
“James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle,” the statement continued. “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.”
Williams was known by their drag name The Vivienne. They won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and later appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Williams released their debut EP Bitch in 2022 and appeared as The Wicked Witch of the West in a West End production of The Wizard of Oz in 2023.
SEE ALSO: ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE UK’ WINNER THE VIVIENNE SUFFERS A HORRIBLE HOMOPHOBIC ATTACK
Drag Race host RuPaul posted a tribute to Williams on social media Monday, writing, “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
Judge Michelle Visage also reacted to news of Williams’ death, writing to them, “You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.”
Drag Race All Stars Season 7 winner Jinkx Monsoon wrote, “I don’t entirely have words… She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”
