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An inquest into the death of The Vivienne, winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, is being conducted after her death on January 5, 2025, at her home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire.
A report in The Independent stated that The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, 32, was reportedly found dead in the bathroom of their home. The drag star was allegedly identified by their father, Lee Williams. Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.
According to the report, a post-mortem examination identified an “unnatural cause of death”, prompting the coroner to formally open an inquest. Coroner Victoria Davies said that further investigation is required and adjourned the inquest until June 30.
The drag star’s family had revealed in March 2025 that they had died, “from the effects of ketamine use” that led to a cardiac arrest. The inquest will be heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington.
The drag queen’s case has brought attention to her life. Let us understand in detail.
All we know about The Vivienne’s personal life who passed away in January 2025
The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) was born on April 12, 1992, in Colwyn Bay, North Wales. They were of rich Welsh and Romani heritage. They were interested in theatre and school plays from a young age. They moved to Liverpool at the age of 16 in search of broader opportunities where they performed in clubs, which helped in shaping of their career.
After entering the world of drag performance, James took the moniker The Vivienne, inspired by the fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood. In 2015, they were appointed as the first UK Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race. They became a celebrated British drag queen after winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, a report in Mabumbe indicated.
In 2020, they worked in the comedy series, The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood, and later on in 2022 competed in the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and ended up at seventh place alongside Jaida Essence Hall from Wisconsin. In 2023, they participated in the British series, Dancing In The Ice where they reportedly came third.
In the past, they had also addressed their struggles with drug addiction. They had initially spoken about the use of drugs during their drag performances. A report in The Independent stated:
“It was party, drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.”
They added that their addiction was a, “habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard.”
They spoke about their drug issues on RuPaul's Drag Race UK and said:
“When people say, ‘You’ve got to hit rock bottom to get further,’ it sounds so stupid but it’s the truth.”
They praised The Armistead Centre in Liverpool, England, a rehabilitation centre and said that they did a great job in helping them during their Ketamine addiction.
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