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RuPaul has said his heart is “broken” after the death of James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne.
“I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne, an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” he wrote on Instagram.
The Vivienne, who was 32 and won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, died over the weekend.
Tributes have been pouring in to the drag star on social media, with the show saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news.
In a post on X earlier, RuPaul’s Drag Race show also paid tribute: “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion”.
It added: “Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Like many of the drag queens on the show, The Vivienne was unapologetically unique and hilariously straight-talking, but she also had something more: pizzazz.
Described by judge Michelle Visage as “the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show”, it was The Vivienne’s President Trump impression in the game – complete with pouted lips, orange makeup and a floppy blonde wig – that won her the show.
That win consolidated The Vivienne’s influence in the drag community and her career in the world of TV and musical theatre flourished.
Watch: Former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner pays tribute to The Vivienne
Visage described the star as “a beacon to so many”.
Writing on social media, the show’s judge called the news “heartbreaking”, adding: “My darling The Vivienne, 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.”
Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
Cheryl – who used to go by the name Cheryl Hole – took part in the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I will love you forever Viv.”
Announcing the news of Williams’ death on Sunday, publicist Simon Jones said the performer was “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
‘Heart shattered’
Dexter Clift, better known as River Medway, competed on the third series of Drag Race UK and went on to perform with The Vivienne in various projects including shows and music videos.
They told the BBC: “He was the blueprint of a drag superstar. So talented, so funny, so entertaining. I used to love getting a gig with Viv because it meant I would get to watch her.
“The Viv has been around doing drag for so long but I thought we were going to see the next Paul O’Grady. I was convinced The Viv was going to host Drag Race UK one day.
“I find it very difficult to think that this is the end of that story.”
Williams’ ex-husband, David Ludford, paid tribute on Instagram.
He wrote: “My heart literally sank when I got the call! My heart is shattered!”
Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
