RUPAUL has broken his silence in an emotional social media tribute to The Vivienne after the Drag Race star’s death at 32.
James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne when in drag and who won the first series of RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK, died over the weekend at the age of 32.
Sharing a throwback photo of himself in drag with The Vivienne out of drag, RuPaul penned a touching statement as he addressed the star’s recent passing.
“With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” he penned.
Fellow drag artists and fans of the show and RuPaul flocked to the comments to share their love and condolences.
Danny Beard, who won the fourth series of the BBC Three show, commented: “You meant the world to her! Sending love.”
A fan then wrote: “Thank your for giving her a platform that brought her to all of our screens.”
Someone else said: “You two always seemed to have such a wonderful chemistry.”
While another added: “She really did idolise you Ru. Thanks for making her dreams come true.”
And another fan touchingly penned: “So sad. Thank you for speaking about this.
“This world is hard enough as is, a genuinely devastating loss, but what a legacy to leave behind. Rest in peace.”
The news of James’ death was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, on Sunday evening.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage was among the first to pay tribute to James, writing that their death was “heartbreaking”.
Alongside pictures of them together, the judge and TV personality wrote on Instagram: “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.”
With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.
RuPaul Charles on the death of The Vivienne
Earlier today, it was reported that a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday.
The call-out followed on from reports of a sudden death.
The spokesperson said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man, and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances.
“A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
