The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, became an iconic figure in British pop culture as the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Celebrated for wit, artistry, and activism, Williams captivated millions and inspired a new era in the UK drag scene. However, in January 2025, the world was rocked by the sudden, tragic death of The Vivienne, catalysing conversation on addiction, mental health, and the importance of community support.
The Tragic Circumstances of Death
Williams was found dead at home in Cheshire on January 5, 2025, with the body discovered in the bathtub by a concerned neighbour after friends failed to make contact for several days. Forensics established that Williams had died two days before being discovered, having suffered cardiac arrest following excessive ketamine use. The coroner’s inquiry delivered a verdict of “death by misadventure,” explicitly ruling out suicidal intent.
Key details revealed during the inquest included:
- Five empty ketamine bags were found at the scene, indicating moderate to excessive use.
- The family and friends were initially unaware of Williams’ recent relapse, following a long period of sobriety after openly battling addiction.
- Forensic reports described “relatively high” levels of ketamine, a drug whose dangers are increasingly discussed due to rising popularity and risk.
Neighbour Janine Gobold described a heartbreaking moment of discovery, recounting undisturbed snow outside the home and all lights left on, clear signs that something was wrong.
The Vivienne’s Legacy & Charity Response
The loss of The Vivienne deeply impacted friends, family, and the LGBTQ+ community, leading to an outpouring of tributes and a public reckoning about substance abuse and mental health. In memory, Williams’ family, headed by sister Chanel Williams, launched a support group at Ty Enfys coffee shop in Colwyn Bay, focused on helping those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
Key aspects of the family initiative:
- Weekly “House ofienne” sessions to foster a safe environment for discussing addiction and seeking help.
- Collaboration with charity Adferiad to increase public awareness about ketamine’s risks, dismantling the stigma and emphasizing the need for open dialogue in the UK.
- Message of hope: “James would want you to know that you are important, your life is significant, and assistance is available. There is always hope.”
The family’s campaign further underscored the growing crisis surrounding ketamine and its prevalence among youth, with Chanel Williams remarking on the “staggering cost” of stigma and undiscussed addiction.
Public Reaction: The Drag, Showbiz, and Fan Community
Across social media, drag performers and fans shared tributes, remembering The Vivienne for humour, vulnerability, and advocacy. Notable moments from Drag Race UK included Williams speaking openly about past addiction struggles, aiming to inspire others facing similar battles. World of Wonder produced a memorial documentary, “Dear Viv,” in August 2025, featuring interviews with family and fellow drag icons.
The funeral on January 27, 2025, at St. Margaret’s Church in Bodelwyddan drew celebrities and fans alike, with a horse-drawn carriage and floral tributes spelling out “Vivienne,” “James,” and “Son.” The Drag Race crown and sceptre were carried ahead of the coffin. Official statements repeatedly highlighted Williams’s legacy as a performer “full of life,” beloved for generosity and the desire to help others.
Ketamine: Risks and Growing Awareness
Following Williams’s death, ketamine’s role as both a medication and an abused substance received renewed scrutiny. Experts stressed its legal use in anaesthesia and growing medical deployment for depression, contrasting the risks of addiction, overdose, and long-term health impacts. The call to raise awareness extended well beyond celebrity circles, as Jones, The Vivienne’s publicist, emphasised, “We hope that by 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 among young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”
With other high-profile deaths attributed to ketamine, including actors and musicians, public health advocates are urgently seeking to educate both medical professionals and the general public on the risks involved.
Williams’s Final Months & the Broader Conversation
The Vivienne remained active in entertainment, having been cast in the West End and making history as the first drag artist on “Dancing on Ice” in 2023. Friends described Williams as engaged and joyous in their final days, exchanging cheerful messages and memes. Yet, the tragedy has served as a stark reminder that addiction is often invisible and can relapse unexpectedly.
In the wake of loss, the community is mobilizing, echoing Chanel Williams’s resolve: “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.”
