Just days before The Vivienne passed away at the age of 32, the Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star shared a post on Instagram, urging fans to donate to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR
The Vivienne shared a final social media post just days before passing away at the age of 32.
The Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, passed away this weekend, friend and publicist Simon Jones confirmed on social media this evening. In a statement, they said: “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, 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.”
Just three days ago, The Vivienne shared a post on Instagram urging fans to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity. The drag performer wrote: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”
Following the announcement of the star’s death, Michelle Visage commented: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.” Brian Dowling commented: “Simon this is absolutely heartbreaking.” Emmerdale star Lisa Riley penned: “Broken,” alongside a string of crying emojis. Presenter Harriet Rose added: “Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking.” Radio presenter James Barr said: “Simon I’m so so sorry. I’m heartbroken. James was such a beautiful person.”
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts added: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news,” alongside a broken heart emoji. Meanwhile, Union J singer Jaymi Hensley shared a snap with The Vivienne writing: “I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left. my darling @ollymarmon please welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ into heaven! Look after each other , this is too much for my heart to handle! The scales of better people being up there then here has now well and truly changed.”
In a separate post on Instagram, Michelle Visage shared snaps of herself and The Vivienne together. Writing alongside the upload, she said: “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. 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.”
Simon later wrote in a follow-up post: “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 in my life as much 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 every day for the last 5 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.”
You can donate to SAHIR – Liverpool City Region’s LGBTQ+ and HIV charity by clicking here
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