Jan 5
'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' Season 1 Winner The Vivienne Dies at 32
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
"RuPaul's Drag Race U.K." Season 1 winner The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, has died, several media outlets reported Sunday. They were 32.
The news was confirmed by the star's represents Simon Jones, who wrote on Instagram that the international drag superstar died over the weekend.
"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, warmhearted and amazing person," the post reads. "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 statement goes on to say: "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 was crowned the first winner of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" spinoff series in 2019. They then competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" Season 7 in 2022, which featured an all-winners cast. Born in Wales, The Vivienne was also the first drag performer to compete on "Dancing on Ice" in 2023. In addition to drag, they were also a stage actor, playing The Wicked Witch of the West in a stage adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" in London's West End in 2023.
The performer made headlines in 2023 when they were attacked in a hate crime, saying last year that the incident has left them with "stress, anguish and ongoing trauma." In January 2024, however, The Vivienne said they were left "speechless" due to the light sentencing the man who assaulted them received.
Several tributes from the drag community poured in on social media, including messages from "Drag Race" judge Michelle Visage and "Drag Race U.K. vs The World" winner Tia Kofi. "Drag Race All Stars" winner Shea Coulee, and other "Drag Race" stars commented on Jones's post, sharing their condolences. The official "RuPaul's Drag Race" social media account also released a statement.
