James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has died at 32.
The performer became famous thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Williams was given their name of The Vivienne because they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of their death via Instagram tonight.
He wrote in a statement: ‘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.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
Tributes quickly flooded the comments section of Jones’s post, with Michelle Visage writing: ‘I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken’.
Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts wrote: ‘Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news ????’
Presenter Harriet Rose commented: ‘Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking ❤️’
Expressing shock, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer also wrote: ‘Hang on What ???????’
‘Speechless. James was a joy. What a loss x’, added Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.
Taking to social media, fellow drag superstar Tia Kofi paid tribute, writing alongside a photo that Williams’ death 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. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv’.
Williams initially rose to prominence in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.
Williams also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.
Additionally, Williams showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, B**ch on Heels (2022).
Their other TV credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
The following year, they made history as the first-ever drag queen to compete in Dancing On Ice and finished in third place with professional partner Colin Grafton.
Williams last appeared on screens just days ago, starring in the festive special of Blankety Blank on Boxing Day.
With regards to their personal life, Williams was born and raised in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at 16.
They married David Ludford in 2019, but they announced their separation in April 2023.
Also in 2023, Williams was the victim of a homophobic attack at a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool. It was confirmed by police that a man made derogatory comments before punching Williams in the face and fleeing.
Their attacker received a suspended sentence, after which Williams took to X, writing: ‘I have no words’.
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