Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne dies aged 32: Tributes pour in for ‘beloved’ drag artist as friends ask for family to be given ‘time to grieve’

Former Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne has died, friends confirmed on Sunday. 

The Vivienne won the first series of the UK version of the drag contest, hosted by Ru Paul, in 2019, before returning for the US All Stars Winners season in 2022.

News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media. A cause is yet to be established. 

Tributes poured in for the star, as Drag Race co-stars including judge Michelle Visage and Tia Kofi shared their heartbreak at her passing.  

Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones PR wrote: ‘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. 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.’ 

He continued: ‘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.  Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.’

Tributes poured in for the star, with Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi writing: ‘This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. 

‘She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.’ 

Meanwhile Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared snaps of her and The Vivienne together on Instagram with the 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.’ 

Coronation Street star Lisa Riley shared her tribute to The Vivienne, as she wrote: ‘You incredible human…..rest in peace never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. 

‘Love and strength to all your family, we will miss you so much.’

The drag artist’s shock death came just days after she said when she meets strangers he hopes they ‘love gay people’ as she spoke in a victim impact statement. 

The comments came after magistrates last month ruled a one-punch attack by scaffolder Alan Whitfield on Williams, who performs as the drag queen, was a hate crime.

The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in last year’s Dancing On Ice, was targeted at the restaurant in Edge Lane on June 16 last year.

She was subjected to a ‘barrage of abuse’ from the defendant who then struck him to the left side of the face with a ‘heavy blow’.

Her face was bruised and hurt for a week but The Vivienne said ‘luckily’ he was a 6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told.

In a victim personal statement read to the court on Wednesday, The Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.

‘It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am now a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my life.

‘This has caused me stress, anguish and ongoing trauma.’

Last year she made history as she became the first drag queen to perform on Dancing On Ice, with viewers branding her a ‘superstar’.

The Vivienne and her pro partner Colin Grafton were thrilled as they scored a total of 28.5 out of 40, with Ashley, Oti and Jayne scoring her 7, while Chris gave a 7.5. 

Oti praised The Vivienne’s first performance: ‘If you are going to make history, this is how you make history congratulations!’