The family of the late drag performer The Vivienne has confirmed that they suffered a cardiac arrest after consuming ketamine, as reported by Wales Online. James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, passed away on January 5 at their residence in Cheshire. The family, still reeling from the loss, has revealed the circumstances surrounding their death, shedding light on their ongoing battle with ketamine addiction. Simon Jones, a close friend and manager of The Vivienne, expressed the importance of sharing this information to raise awareness about the dangers of sustained ketamine use. The Vivienne, a prominent figure in the UK drag scene, won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, using their platform to address addiction issues, particularly ketamine addiction.
Growing up in Colwyn Bay in Conwy before relocating to Liverpool, The Vivienne’s impact extended beyond their artistic contributions. Sister Chanel Williams hopes to honour their sibling’s memory by collaborating with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to promote conversations about addiction. Chanel emphasized the increasing prevalence of ketamine in the UK and the urgent need to educate the public about its risks. Cheshire Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding The Vivienne’s passing, with an inquest scheduled for June to delve further into the situation.
The tragic loss of The Vivienne highlights the struggles faced by individuals battling addiction, underscoring the importance of destigmatizing these issues and providing support to those affected. The openness displayed by The Vivienne and their family serves as a poignant reminder of the harsh reality of addiction and the necessity of community awareness. By sharing their story, the hope is to prevent similar tragedies and offer assistance to individuals grappling with substance use disorders. The impact of The Vivienne’s advocacy work and artistic legacy continues to resonate within the drag community and beyond.
As the community processes this heartbreaking news, there is a collective call for greater understanding and resources to address addiction-related challenges. Everyone is urged to engage in open conversations about addiction, seek help when needed, and support those navigating recovery journeys. The Vivienne’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities surrounding substance abuse and the critical need for empathy and assistance in combating addiction. As investigations into The Vivienne’s passing continue, the focus remains on honouring their memory and advocating for a more informed and compassionate approach to addiction support.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is essential to recognise the importance of destigmatising addiction and fostering environments where individuals can seek help without fear of judgement. The Vivienne’s legacy lives on not only through their artistry but also through the advocacy work undertaken during their life. By raising awareness about the dangers of ketamine and promoting open dialogue about addiction, there is an opportunity to prevent further losses and provide meaningful support to those in need. As the community mourns the passing of The Vivienne, their enduring impact on the drag scene and the broader conversation surrounding addiction is palpable.