The reason behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” star The Vivienne‘s death has been revealed two months after their passing.
The Vivienne’s death was announced on January 5, and multiple tributes followed with many expressing shock at their demise.
The late television personality won the primary series of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ in 2019.
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The Vivienne’s Manager Confirms The Cause Of Their Death
On Monday, Simon Jones, the manager of the late drag queen, revealed the reason behind their death via an announcement to PEOPLE Magazine.
Jones said The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died “from the results of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.”
The statement continued, “James’s family and I feel it’s important to say how James tragically died. It was from the results of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.”
Jones also said “a proper inquest” into The Vivienne’s death will happen in June.
He continued, “I hope that by us releasing this information we will raise awareness concerning the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it may possibly do to your body.
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Jones added, “Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I do not think the total dangers of the drug are being discussed.”
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The Vivienne’s Sister Hopes Their Death Will Lead To ‘Something Positive’
Along with revealing the reason behind The Vivienne’s death, Jones also announced a partnership with Adferiad, a charity based in the UK.
Based on their website, Adferiad “campaigns for and provides services to people affected by mental ailing health, drug or alcohol use, gambling harms, and other difficult circumstances.”
Jones said, “We hope that by working with Adferiad we will raise vital awareness and provides information on the way to get help should you are fighting ketamine usage.”
Meanwhile, The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel Williams, told Attitude, “We proceed to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death.”
She added, “Ketamine is a particularly dangerous drug that’s becoming increasingly prevalent within the UK.”
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Chanel concluded, “If we will help raise awareness of the hazards of this drug, and help individuals who could also be coping with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this entire tragedy.”
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World Of Wonder Developing Recent Documentary To Honor The Vivienne
The revelation of The Vivienne’s reason behind death comes after World of Wonder, the media company behind the “Drag Race” franchise, announced the production of a brand new documentary, “Dear Viv,” with “the blessing of James’ family and friends.”
Based on an official synopsis, “Dear Viv” is “a heartfelt documentary, made by, and featuring people who knew and loved them.”
The film “will detail the life and legacy of The Vivienne and pay tribute to the beloved drag superstar who left an indelible mark on the world before their passing in January 2025.”
The outline continues, “Through a compelling mix of archival footage, intimate interviews with family members including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, and Danny Beard, and deeply personal letters from fans, the film sensitively traces James’s journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
The documentary also highlights The Vivienne’s “unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit, and undeniable talent that got here to define them.”
It goals to be “greater than only a celebration of a stunning profession, but additionally to honor their profound impact on the drag community and beyond; ensuring that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.”
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The Vivienne’s Death Announced
On January 5, Jones announced The Vivienne’s death via a post on X. He wrote in an announcement, “It’s with immense sadness that we let you understand our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”
The statement continued, “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle.”
Jones added, “They’re so happy with the wonderful things James achieved of their life and profession. We is not going to be releasing any further details.”
The statement concluded, “We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now have to process and grieve.”
RuPaul Pays Tribute To The Vivienne
On January 6, RuPaul paid tribute to the late performer via an Instagram post.
He shared an image of the deceased and captioned it, “With a broken heart, I join your entire Drag Race universe in mourning the lack of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a beautiful human being.”
Meanwhile, the official X account of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” also paid tribute to The Vivienne. They wrote, “We’re deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.”
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They added, “She shall be dearly missed, but her legacy will survive as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a real champion. Our hearts exit to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
