The drag community is in mourning following the passing of Drag Race UK season one winner, The Vivienne, with tributes pouring in from Michelle Visage and fellow Drag Race queens.
James Lee Williams, the 32-year-old drag artist known as The Vivienne, rose to fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Now, celebrities and fans alike have been sharing heartfelt tributes.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage posted an emotional tribute to The Vivienne on Instagram writing: “Heartbreaking. 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 a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes.
“I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Other Drag Race queens have shared their thoughts on social media, with Scottish queen and season 2 winner Lawrence Chaney posting a picture of the two together, alongside a red heart. As well as writing on Twitter: “No one made me laugh like the Viv! Her impressions, her jokes. She’s the best!”
Season four winner Danny Beard wrote: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us.
Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy. She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your t*ts off!”
While TV presenter Lorraine Kelly shared her condolences, saying: “Oh, this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip-smart, and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
On Sunday evening The Vivienne’s manager Simon Jones, took to social media to confirm the heartbreaking news. Releasing a statement saying: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed away 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.”
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The Vivienne was a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and just days before there death James posted on Instagram to ask fans to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity. The drag star wrote: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”
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