Drag Race UK star The Vivienne's death: Police release troubling update

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

The Vivienne at RuPaul's DragCon in Los Angeles.

Local law enforcement has confirmed that "no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death" of The Vivienne.

Bernardo Sim

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Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.

You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.

Bernardo Sim is the deputy editor of Out. He's also a staff contributor to The Advocate, PRIDE, and other equalpride publications. Born in Brazil, he currently lives in South Florida.

You can follow Bernardo Sim on Instagram. Otherwise, you can find him on Bluesky, Threads, X/Twitter, and TikTok.

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Bernardo Sim

February 12 2025 11:34 AM EST

February 12 2025 11:35 AM EST

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TW: This post contains sensitive topics related to the passing of RuPaul's Drag Race superstar The Vivienne.

Local police confirmed Wednesday that RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne was found dead in a bathroom due to an "unnatural cause of death," as reported by BBC News. This new update comes on the heels of so many fans and fellow drag artists left wondering what happened to The Vivienne.

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Local law enforcement has confirmed that "no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death" were found after opening an investigation at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington, England.

A post-mortem examination from coroner Victoria Davies also noted that The Vivienne passed away from an "unnatural cause of death." However, the BBC reports that further investigation is required — extending this open investigation through June 30.

Davies added, "Given the unnatural cause of death identified on post-mortem testing, it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of James Lee Williams."

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The Vivienne, age 32, otherwise known as James Lee Williams out of drag, was found dead in Chorlton-by-Backford, surrounding Chester, on Sunday, Jan. 5, as previously reported based on initial findings. BBC News has now confirmed that The Vivienne's body was found by their father, Lee Williams, according to the ongoing investigation.

Since her death, alumni from the entire Drag Race franchise — and even drag artists who have never been on the show — took to social media to mourn the UK drag queen's sudden and heartbreaking death.

This story is still developing…