Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne shared a heartbreaking final post just days before their tragic death at the age of 32.
As previously reported, James Lee Williams, best known as drag artist The Vivienne, has sadly passed away.
The star's public relations representative, Simon Jones, announced the tragic news on Sunday (January 5) in a statement shared on Instagram, which 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,” Jones added.
Just three days ago, The Vivienne shared their final post on Instagram, encouraging fans to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool's largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.
The drag performer wrote: "Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable-wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpool's oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won't miss it."
The comment section has now been inundated with posts from fans expressing their condolences.
"Oh, Viv what a hole you have left, but a legacy even greater. We will miss your magic, thank you for every laugh you ever gave us," one person penned.
A second chimed in: "This is so shocking, will forever be one of my favorite UK artists. Rest in peace," and a third added: "The world has lost an incredible talent."
The Vivienne, whose drag name came from their love of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to fame after becoming the UK drag ambassador for the US series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015.
They won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 after lip-syncing in the final to 'I’m Your Man', a song by Wham!
Williams later featured in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and was a finalist in Dancing on Ice (2023), finishing in third place.
In addition to this, the drag star most recently played the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour and previously appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of the Wizard of Oz musical.
The devastating news about Williams' death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow performers.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken,” while Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash added: "I’m so sorry... I’m in total shock".
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi expressed their grief in a post on X (formerly Twitter): “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.
“Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally," they continued. “She was a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you, Viv.”
Our thoughts go out to Williams' family, friends, and fans at this time.