Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, The Vivienne, LGBTQ
Queen of Drag RuPaul Andre Charles has paid tribute to James Lee Williams, known on RuPaul's show as The Vivienne, after they died at the age of 32.
RuPaul spoke out after news of The Vivienne's death was confirmed by a spokesperson, who said they had 'passed this weekend' of January 4.
The Vivienne first stepped into the spotlight in 2015, when they became the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul's Drag Race and later went on to compete in the first UK series of the show.
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The drag queen managed to secure the win in the 2019 series, after performing a lip-synced version of Wham!'s 'I'm Your Man'.
RuPaul has now spoken out, taking to Instagram to share a photo from Drag Race and writing:: "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's tribute comes after Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared her own tribute to the former contestant, saying she was 'heartbroken' by the news of their passing.
Visage shared a series of pictures of herself with The Vivienne on social media, and wrote: "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.
"I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever."
The Vivienne's All Stars co-star, Jinkx Monsoon, also shared loving words for The Vivienne as she wrote: "I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.
"It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv."
When news of The Vivienne's passing was announced, the spokesperson described them as 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," they said, adding they would 'not be releasing any further details' regarding the death.
"We please ask that James's family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
