Drag artist James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” their publicist Simon Jones posted on Instagram. “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.”

“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

The Vivienne rose to prominence after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK back in 2019, subsequently appearing in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. They were also a finalist in the UK series of Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place, and appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of the Wizard of Oz musical. They also featured in Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and British soap Emmerdale. Most recently, they played the Childcatcher in a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang the Musical.

Tributes have been pouring in since the news broke on Sunday. Fellow Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash commented on the announcement: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi said in a post on social media: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”

A post shared via the RuPaul's Drag Race X account said: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion.  Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared an Instagram post reading: “Heartbreaking, I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ 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.”

Ariana Grande shared a tribute post from drag performer Jinkx Monsoon to her Instagram Stories with three heart emojis. “I don’t entirely have words,” read the post. “She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”

This morning, a spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12:22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death. “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.”