‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Stars Remember The Vivienne After Her Death: Tributes
Members of the RuPaul’s Drag Race community are speaking out in the wake of The Vivienne’s sudden death.
The performer’s manager, Simon Jones, confirmed that The Vivienne (real name James Lee Williams) died at age 32 via a social media statement on Sunday, January 5.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones wrote. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.”
The statement continued, “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. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
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Authorities have since confirmed that there were “no suspicious circumstances” involved in the drag queen’s death.
“Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances,” a spokesman told Hello! on Monday, January 6. “A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Many members of RuPaul’s Drag Race have spoken out in the wake of The Vivienne’s death to share tributes. Keep scrolling to read the meaningful messages:
Michelle Visage
The RuPaul’s Drag Race’s judge reacted to the “heartbreaking” death via Instagram.
“I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point,” Visage wrote. “Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.”
Visage recalled seeing The Vivienne make their West End debut, noting that she was a “lucky one” having known the late star.
“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely,” the message concluded. “May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Trinity the Tuck
The drag queen noted that she was “heartbroken” by the death news.
“Viv was such a great friend! Always made time for you! I had the best of times in all the projects we shared and more than that she was just a good person!” she wrote in a statement shared via Instagram. “I can not [sic] believe this! My heart goes out to her family and to her other friends! May you rest well my friend!”
Jinkx Monsoon
Monsoon shared photos of The Vivienne on various social media platforms along with a sweet tribute.
“I don’t entirely have words,” she wrote. “She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”
Kandy Muse
The RuPaul’s Drag Race alum paid tribute to the “f—ing rockstar” Vivienne along with photos of them together.
“I am in utter shock, devastated and absolutely heartbroken, one of the sweetest person I’ve ever gotten to meet and spend time with,” Muse’s social media caption read. “You kept me up while I was at my lowest in life on tour with your bright energy and smile, I’ll miss you friend.”
Jimbo
“What a devastating loss of such a brilliant artist, beautiful person and incredible friend,” Jimbo’s Instagram tribute read. “So many fun memories and laughs and still not nearly enough. Sending my love and hugs out to everyone grieving the loss of someone so special to us. Love you Viv! You will always inspire me, I will carry you in my heart and bring you with me on stage.”
Cheryl The Drag Queen
Cheryl described The Vivienne as “the most incredible friend, mentor and sister” in a social media statement.
“Thank you for the incredible moments, milestones and memories,” she wrote, in part. “Every moment spent with you was truly electric and magical. Your legacy, love and light will shine on forever!”
Baga Chipz
The Drag Race alum sent a message to her “beautiful, talented, mad, bestest friend” after news of The Vivienne’s death.
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“You will always be the Velma to my Louise, and I’ll always talk to you before I go onstage for every single show I do because let’s face it you were a bloody power house when you hit that stage. Always there for me when I needed you,” she wrote. “You taught me the true meaning of sisterhood but more importantly you taught me how to do a cut crease.”
Yvie Oddly
The performer was “completely gutted,” she wrote in a social media statement.
“It’s such a trip that you’re gone. It’s especially strange to think that most of the short time we spent together was on camera, because all my favorite memories with you were off-screen,” Oddly shared. “I’ll forever cherish our smoke breaks, our s— talking, our crip queen hot tubbing, the laughter and the tears and the McDonald’s we shared … but most of all the makeup advice you gave.”
Blu Hydrangea
They remembered The Vivienne as “a class act, a mentor, an absolute superstar” and “family” in an Instagram caption.
“You have inspired me and my drag from the moment I realized how hard it was going to be to keep up with you on Drag Race!” Hydrangea continued. “You are unforgettable; I will cherish our memories forever.”
Divina de Campo
“Rest in power queen,” she wrote via Instagram.
Jaida Essence Hall
The former Drag Queen star remembered The Vivienne’s “perfect” makeup in a series of photos shared via Instagram.
“I can’t thank you enough for your light! I don’t even know what to say rn,” she wrote, in part. “I just know you were such an incredible person to everyone around you and you made real space for me.”
Shea Couleé
The performer noted that this is an “incredibly hard” loss when remembering The Vivienne.
“There aren’t enough words to describe your impact on not only me, but the entire drag landscape,” Couleé’s statement continued. “Your joy, humor, and supportive sisterhood will stay with me forever. Like a handprint on my heart.”
Raja Gemini
The Drag Race star shared a series of photos with The Vivienne, simply captioning the images writing, “Forever.”
Monét X Change
“You were easily one of the brightest stars that I’ve ever seen shine, and with beauty beyond compare,” she wrote, adding that she would “cherish” all the moments they had together.