Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Nearly three months after the devastating loss of The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, a cause of death has been confirmed. In the wake of their passing, the late star’s family has taken an admirable stance, which has now been made public. On January 5, Sunday, the world learned of the untimely passing of Drag Race UK’s beloved The Vivienne at the tender age of 32 through manager, Simon Jones. Initially, no details surrounding the cause of death were disclosed, but recent updates have shed light on the heartbreaking circumstances. In a statement released to Attitude magazine tonight, Simon, who was not only The Vivienne’s manager but also a close friend, revealed that James died “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.” Simon expressed his hope in the statement: “I hope that by us releasing this information, we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body. Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.” Following this tragic event, The Vivienne’s family has joined forces with Aderiad, a UK charity dedicated to supporting those battling substance use and mental health issues.
The Vivienne won the first series of Drag Race UK in 2019
As reported by Attitude, this partnership aims to cast a spotlight on the risks associated with ketamine and offer a helping hand to those seeking assistance, reports the Mirror. The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel Williams, spoke to Attitude magazine with a heavy heart: “We continue to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death. Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,” as she highlighted the urgent need for increased awareness about the dangers of drugs like ketamine. In a poignant moment last month, Chanel, alongside their father, accepted a posthumous accolade for The Vivienne as the Drag Race UK community came together to honour their dearly missed friend. At the emotional Metro Pride Awards ceremony, The Vivienne was celebrated with the Icon Award, a testament to their impactful life cut tragically short. Rylan Clark, hosting the event and clearly touched, paid homage on stage: “The Vivienne as we know was a true force of nature in the drag world, breaking barriers and inspiring so many of us with their talent, wit and heart. They were a true icon and the legacy will live on in everything that they did. Tonight, we are paying tribute to The Vivienne at the Metro Pride Awards, with the Metro Pride Awards Icon Award.”
Publicist Simon Jones said ‘no one made him laugh’ like the star did
(Image: PA)
The audience struggled to keep composure as Simon, The Vivienne’s dear friend and publicist, delivered a heartfelt speech. Following him, The Vivienne’s sister and father took to the stage, accepting the award with words that resonated deeply with all who were gathered. It was The Vivienne’s manager who first broke the tragic news on the 5th, revealing her passing over the weekend. Simon penned the sombre announcement: “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 individual. Their family are shattered by the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They take immense pride in the remarkable things James accomplished in their life and career. We won’t be sharing any more details. We kindly request that James’s family be given the space and privacy they need to process and mourn.”
