The Vivienne has died aged 32. (Image: BBC)
Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne shared a poignant final post on social media just days before her untimely death at 32.
The Vivienne – real name James Lee Williams – tragically died over the weekend, confirmed by friend and publicist Simon Jones.
In an emotional statement, Simon announced: “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, 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. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Just three days prior, The Vivienne took to to encourage followers to support SAHIR, Liverpool’s premier and longest-running LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.
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The Vivienne competed on Dancing On Ice in 2023. (Image: BBC)
The drag artist penned: “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.”
The entertainment world is in mourning following the announcement of the star’s passing, with Michelle Visage expressing her devastation: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken,” reports .
The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge also took to to share personal photos with The Vivienne, alongside a heartfelt caption: “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 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. 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.”
The Vivienne won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. (Image: Getty)
In a poignant follow-up post, Simon expressed his sorrow: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.”
He continued, reflecting on the lost talent: “Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
Concluding his tribute, he shared: “I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”