RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne has passed away at the age of 32 and fans are flocking to their last Instagram post from three days ago to pay their respects.
James Lee Williams won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK as The Vivienne – adopting the name after becoming known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood clothing.
On Sunday evening (January 5), their publicist announced the tragic news of their passing.
The Vivienne has passed away at the age of 32 (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1/Paramount +)
In a post to Instagram, publicist Simon Jones wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“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 please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
And fans of the drag queen have been flooding to their last social media post to pay tribute to the star.
The Vivienne’s last Instagram post was shared just three days ago and is a video promoting a ‘Give a quid a month’ campaign for Sahir House – the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region in the UK, which also supports people living with HIV.
Tributes have been flooding in online for The Vivienne (John Lamparski/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)
Williams’ caption reads: “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.”
One Instagram user commented: “Oh Viv what a hole you have left, but a legacy even greater. We will miss your magic, thank you for every laugh you ever gave us.”
“Wait how???? I was just rewatching your season and checking up on you, im so heartbroken,” a second commented.
“This has devastated me wtf. My fave drag queen of all time, what a loss to the drag community, the funniest queen there ever was. So young and talented, I’m lost for words,” a third wrote.
Sahir House also addressed Williams’ passing, reflecting it is ‘absolutely heartbroken’ to hear about the passing of its ‘friend, ambassador and so much more’.
The post continues: “You carried Liverpool’s spirit with pride, lighting up the world with your humour, heart, and courage. You stood tall for our community and gave so many hope just by being unapologetically you. You’ve left an indelible mark, and we’ll never forget the joy and strength you brought to so many.
“Rest easy, queen. You’ll always be a part of our story.”
