The family of RuPaul’s Drag Race star James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has confirmed the performer’s cause of death two months after their passing.
On January 5 2025, publicist and close friend Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of Williams’ death at the age of 32 in a statement posted on Instagram.
No cause of death was given at the time, but in a statement shared with The Mirror this week Jones confirmed that The Vivienne passed away “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest”.
Taking to his Instagram stories, Jones wrote: “James’ family and I feel it is important to say how James tragically died.
“We hope 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.”
Jones also revealed the family were working with Adferiad – a UK-based charity focused on support for those struggling with their mental health and addiction.
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The partnership with Aderiad will raise awareness around the dangers of ketamine use and help those looking to access support.
Williams’ sister, Chanel Williams, also told the BBC: “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.”
Williams rose to international fame as the winner of the first UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019.
The performer was given their name The Vivienne because they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Jones broke news of their passing in January by posting a statement on Instagram.
”It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne has passed this weekend,” Jones wrote.
“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.”
Jones’ statement concluded: ”We please ask that James’ family are given the time and privacy they need to process and grieve.”
Williams – who used they/them pronouns – first shot to fame in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They then went on to compete in and win the first UK series of the reality show. Williams then competed again in the All Stars series in 2022.
Williams was also starting their career in musical theatre starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in London’s West End.
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