RuPaul Posts Tribute to ‘Drag Race’ Star After Their Tragic Death at 32

RuPaul has spoken out after the death of a Drag Race star at 32.

The drag performer James Lee Williams, known by their stage name “The Vivienne,” died last week, shocking fans and celebrities alike who worked with the star.

Williams had won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, while also starring in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022. No cause of death has been released.

RuPaul took to Instagram to pay homage to them, 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.”

Michelle Visage, another host on the show, posted yesterday about Williams' death.

“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag,” Visage wrote on Instagram. “I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.”

Their ex-husband, Daniel Ludford, also paid tribute to Williams.

“My heart literally sank when I got the call,” Ludford wrote in an Instagram caption. “You will always always have a place in my heart.”