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Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne reportedly dies at 32

Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne reportedly dies at 32

The Vivienne at the London premiere of Wicked
Lia Toby/Getty Images

RuPaul's Drag Race winner The Vivienne at the London premiere of Wicked.

"Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle," reads a statement from her publicist.

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James Lee Williams, the RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner also known as their drag name The Vivienne, has reportedly died. They were 32 years old.

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The drag star's publicist, Simon Jones, shared the news in a statement posted on social media on Sunday, January 5.

"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," the statement reads. "James was 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."

The Vivienne's cause of death is unknown and the statement declined to give any information. "We will not be releasing any further details," Jones concluded. "We please ask that James' family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."

The Vivienne won the first season of Drag Race UK in 2019 and became a household drag name. She also appeared in the UK medical drama This is Going to Hurt and she was the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place, according to The Independent. She also competed on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7, the all-winners season, alongside U.S. icons like Monét X Change, Shea Couleé, and Jinkx Monsoon.

Sending our condolences to The Vivienne, her family and friends, and all of the drag community today.

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