Topics: Ariana Grande, LGBTQ, UK News, Film and TV, Instagram, Charity, Health
Ariana Grande has joined in the emotional tributes for the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race winner The Vivienne, who tragically passed away at the age of 32.
After winning the first season of the UK version of the show as The Vivienne, James Lee Williams, rose to fame but it all began when they impersonated Donald Trump on air in 2019.
They became one of the biggest drag queen's in Britain and following their success they took part on the UK show Dancing on Ice in January 2023, and even showed up as a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars back in 2022.
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The Vivienne became a household name in the LGBTQ+ community in Britain, adopting the name because of her love of wearing designer Vivienne Westwood clothing.
But on Sunday evening (January 5), their publicist announced the tragic news of their passing.
In a post to Instagram, 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.
“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 please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Tributes for The Vivienne have flooded in from around the world with fans and celebrities-alike sharing grief.
One of the biggest names to have paid her respect is that of Ariana Grande who took to her own Instagram to post a Story of The Vivienne with a picture of the drag star, and underneath it three hearts and an infinity sign.
The picture took you through to a post from fellow drag queen Jinkx Monsoon, who captioned her post: "I don’t entirely have words… 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."
And fans of the drag queen have been flooding to their last social media post to pay tribute to the star.
The Vivienne's last Instagram post was shared just three days ago and is a video promoting a 'Give a quid a month' campaign for Sahir House - the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the Liverpool City Region in the UK, which also supports people living with HIV.
Williams' caption reads: "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."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
