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James Lee Williams, the British drag performer who went by the name The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
The news was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, who shared a statement from social media.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones said.
“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 Vivienne rose to prominence after competing in and eventually winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
They went on to appear in the critically acclaimed, award-winning medical drama This is Going to Hurt, based on Adam Kay’s memoir of the same name. They were the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place.
Jones’s statement concluded: “We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Tributes immediately began pouring in from a number of The Vivienne’s friends and supporters.
“I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken,” RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote.
“I’m so sorry,” fellow drag artist Bimini wrote on Jones’s post. “I’m in total shock.”
Former Little Mix star and solo artist Perrie Edwards shared a series of heart emojis, while singer Nicole Appleton wrote: “Oh Simon I’m so sorry sending you love.”
More to follow…
