RuPaul breaks silence over tragic death of 'Drag Race UK' champion The Vivienne

RuPaul has issued a statement following the death of James Lee Williams, better known by their drag persona The Vivienne.

Tributes have poured in for the late drag star. Credit: Emma McIntyre/Getty

Williams shot to international fame in 2019 after winning the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.

Since their historic victory on the popular reality show, they went on to become a standout name in the international drag community, and frequently appeared in TV shows such as Dancing on Ice, I Like to Watch, and Emmerdale.

The Vivienne also returned to the runway for the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022.

In 2024, they starred as the Wicked Witch of the West for The Wizard of Oz in the 2024 UK tour and recently appeared on UK television for BBC One's Boxing Day special of Blankety Blank.

James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, died at 32. Credit: Astrid Stawiarz / Getty

Tragically, on Sunday (January 5), Williams' publicist, Simon Jones, announced in a heartfelt Instagram post that the drag superstar had passed away at the age of 32.

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones wrote. “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.”

Now, the "Queen of Drag" RuPaul has paid tribute to The Vivienne.

Sharing a candid photo of Williams visiting the US Drag Race studio back in 2015, RuPaul wrote alongside the image: "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."

The insightful photo was taken four years before the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK - when The Vivienne won a competition to be recognized as the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Ambassador.

As well as RuPaul, other Drag Race icons have paid tribute to Williams.

Williams won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK. Credit: Karwai Tang / Getty

Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, wrote: "Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.

"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. You were a beacon to so many.

"Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.

"I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high."

"I don’t entirely have words," former Drag Race champ Jinkx Monsoon wrote in her post. "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."

And fellow UK Drag Race star Tia Kofi wrote in a post of their own: "Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv."

Sadly, The Vivienne's death has also been marred by controversy, as a former Drag Race winner has sparked outrage with their tweet following Williams' passing.

Credit: X

In a deeply insensitive move, Tyra Sanchez, winner of the second season of US Drag Race, resurfaced an old post by The Vivienne, just hours after the devastating news of their passing.

The late drag star's tweet, which was shared in July 2020, read: “Bet Tyra was fuming when she Realised Netflix Spoiled the win Too. Sorry gal. You Tried though."

The post was a dig at Sanchez and criticized Netflix for using their photograph of the season’s winner to promote the Drag Race All Stars 5 finale.

Following Williams' death, Sanchez shared the old tweet, along with the message: "Yet it doesn't compare to the fumes of the crematorium."

After receiving an outpouring of backlash for the comment, Sanchez responded by tweeting: "She’s dead. Rotting. Sending me all the hate in the world won’t bring her back. But do as you must. Because of you the tweet has reached over 25k individuals. Thanks for the much needed attention that I oh so desperately needed."

Our thoughts continue to go out to Williams' family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Dave Benett /Getty