RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne’s cause of death revealed 

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, The Vivienne, received the winner title on RuPaul's Drag Race UK Season 1 and returned for RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 7. In January 2025, it was revealed that The Vivienne also known as James Lee Williams had tragically passed away.

On March 17, 2025, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne's manager, Simon Jones, released a statement to People Magazine revealing the cause of death. Simon said that the drag artist suffered from a cardiac arrest "from the effects of ketamine use." His statement continued:

"James's family and I feel it is important to say how James tragically died. It was from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest. I hope that by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do your body."

---

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne passed away "from the effects of ketamine use"

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne's manager continued in his statement that the purpose behind releasing this information was to raise awareness. He explained that the effects of drug usage and clarity on the risks are not being talked about enough. Simone mentioned that they are ready to work alongside Adferiad, an organization that “campaigns for and provides services to people affected by mental ill health, drug or alcohol use."

Simon Jones continued in his statement:

“Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don't think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”

The Vivienne's sister, Chanel Williams, also talked about James' sudden death. She shared that her focus was to raise awareness about ketamine addiction and provide help to people struggling with drug usage. Chanel told Attitude on March 17, 2025 :

“We continueto be completely devastated by James’s sudden death. Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK. If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug, and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”

After The Vivienne's passing was announced by Jones via a January 5, 2025, post on X, RuPaul made a post to his Instagram account. The post was captioned as:

“With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne — an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."

It has also been revealed that a documentary to pay tribute to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star's journey as a drag artist will be soon released. The media company, World of Wonder, shared that the documentary, Dear Viv, would feature "blend of archival footage, intimate interviews with loved ones" to celebrate the performer's legacy in the drag world. The description further reads:

"Showcasing their unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit and undeniable talent that came to define them, the documentary aims to be more than just a celebration of a dazzling career, but also to honour their profound impact on the drag community and beyond; ensuring that The Vivienne's legacy continues to shine."

---

The documentary will also feature Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, and Danny Beard.