A former RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner died suddenly at only 32 on 5 January 2025. James Lee Williams, whose drag queen persona was The Vivienne, was known for their impeccable style and wit.
Discover our latest podcast
According to James Lee Williams' publicist, Simon Jones, The Vivienne died suddenly over the weekend of 5 January. 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.
At the time, the spokesperson explained no details would be released about The Vivienne's cause of death, and that the family had 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.
However, it has now been reported that an inquest has been opened over his sudden passing over the findings of the postmortem tests which revealed that they died from an 'unnatural cause'.
Further investigation
At the inquest opening, which took place at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington, area coroner Victoria Davies explained her decision saying:
Given the unnatural cause of death identified on post-mortem testing it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of James Lee Williams.
It was also revealed that Williams' body was found in their bathroom, and was discovered by their father Lee Williams. The legal proceedings have been delayed for the time being and the inquest has been set for 30 June.
As questions surrounding their death remain, their openness about addiction during their career has become a key part of their story.
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.
Episode 6: The Vivienne Opens Up About Her Battle With DrugsThis week The Vivienne opened up about her struggle with drug addiction and how she's come through it. If you, or someone you know, have been affected by addiction, the following organisations may be able to help: https://bbc.in/2qwUCvg
Posted by RuPaul's Drag Race UK on Friday, November 8, 2019
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.
Read more:
Phillip Schofield announces heartbreaking loss: His beloved mum Pat passes away at 88
From Queen Elizabeth to Christine McVie, here are the celebrities who passed away in 2022
BBC Scotland Nick Sheridan passes away at 32: 'He will be greatly missed'
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
