Police have released an update over the ‘sudden’ death of RuPaul‘s Drag Race star The Vivienne.
The star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically died last week aged 32 following a glittering career that launched to new heights when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul‘s Drag Race UK in 2019.
Today, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: ‘Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances.
‘A file will be prepared for the coroner.’
Confirming the news on Instagram yesterday, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
‘James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted 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. We will not be releasing any further details.
James Lee Williams, tragically died last week aged 32 following a glittering career that launched to new heights when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne pictured in May 2022
Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones PR wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend
‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
He continued: ‘These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.
‘From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
‘I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.’
Paying tribute to the star on Instagram, Strictly’s Oti Mabuse said: ‘Some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks. I absolutely loved The Viv. A beautiful human being, funny, kind, a trailblazer, creative and so warm.’
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage paid tribute to Williams, writing that their death was ‘heartbreaking’.
The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) and RuPaul (RuPaul Andre Charles) pictured together at RuPaul DragCon
Colin Grafton and The Vivienne (right) during a photo call for Dancing On Ice 2023
Pictured: The Vivienne attending the British Soap Awards in 2023 at The Lowry Theatre in Salford
Taking to Instagram to post photographs of them both together, Visage wrote: ‘I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling 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. You were a beacon to so many.
‘Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.
‘I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.’
Williams, who came second on the 2023 series of Dancing on Ice, recently performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Irelands tour of The Wizard of Oz musical and reprised their role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
