RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne passes away at only 32

A former RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner has died suddenly at only 32. James Lee Williams, whose drag queen persona was The Vivienne, was known for their impeccable style and wit. The drag queen tragically passed away over the weekend, as a spokesperson has explained. Here is what you might have missed.

The Vivienne dies aged 32

According to James Lee Williams' publicist, Simon Jones, The Vivienne has died suddenly over the weekend. They explained:

It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

They paid tribute to the star, praising their humane qualities and their effect on others. They went on to say:

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.

The spokesperson explained no details would be released about The Vivienne's cause of death, and the family has asked for privacy. According to the police, there were 'no suspicious circumstances' surrounding the star's death. James Lee Williams' publicist concluded:

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.

The Vivienne's co-star on RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Michelle Visage, has shared her feelings following the passing of her friend. She wrote on Instagram:

I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever.

The Vivienne's life was filled with ups and downs, and they opened up about a low point in their life while on the show.

They struggled with addiction

During their time on RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019, The Vivienne talked about their struggles with addiction, helping millions of viewers feel represented and seen. The drag queen talked about battling their addiction with ketamine before going on to win the show. They said:

It was party drugs - but I couldn't leave the drugs at the party.

They said that it took getting 'kicked out of my house' and being told they would die at the age of 30 to make a change.

After acknowledging they needed help, James Lee Williams seeked treatment at The Armistead Centre in Liverpool, before moving to Gran Canaria. The Vivienne explained to The Mirror at the time:

Some guys I knew from Gran Canaria... asked me to do a gig in Pride. I did it, I was there for a week and I felt like myself and I hadn’t touched anything for a week.

James Lee Williams also had to deal with the breakdown of their marriage with David Ludford, after more than five years together. The couple had tied the knot in 2019 at London's Heaven Club before calling it quits in 2023. Speaking about their divorce, the star took to Instagram in April 2023:

As many may have noticed, David and I have been apart recently. We have made the decision to part ways after an amazing 5 and a half years. We are still very much friends, but sometimes life gets in the way and people grow apart.

Despite their separation, the pair remained good friends and still respected each other. The Vivienne wrote:

We wish each the absolute best and will always be part of each other's lives. We'd ask that you please respect our privacy at this time. Thank you. James and David.

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Sources used:

Sky News: The Vivienne: Former RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner dies at 32

Daily Mail: Tragic past of RuPaul's Drag Race star The Vivienne who battled ketamine addiction and marriage breakdown before their death aged 32

Instagram: @michellevisage