RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne, known offstage as James Lee Williams, was found dead in the bathroom of their home, with an inquest confirming the cause of death as “unnatural.”
The drag performer was discovered at their residence in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on January 5. At the time, Chester Police stated there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding their death.
During the inquest opening at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on February 12, Coroner Victoria Davies reaffirmed that the cause of death required further investigation. “Given the unnatural cause of death identified on post-mortem testing, it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of James Lee Williams,” she stated. The inquest has been adjourned until June 30.
The Vivienne rose to international fame in 2019 as the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. In 2022, they returned to the franchise for All Stars 7, competing alongside fellow champions like Jinkx Monsoon and Shea Couleé.
Beyond television, The Vivienne pursued stage acting, fulfilling a lifelong dream by playing The Wicked Witch of the West in the West End production of The Wizard of Oz and touring the country in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Following their passing, tributes poured in from fellow drag performers and celebrities, including close friend Baga Chipz, Michelle Visage, Ariana Grande, Maya Jama, Rylan, and Tia Kofi.
A vigil was held in Liverpool, where The Vivienne had moved as a teenager to begin their drag career. Their family released an emotional statement, remembering Williams as a beloved “son, brother, uncle, and true icon.”
“As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne,” the statement, read by close friend Bobby Musker, said. “From an early age, it was evident they were destined for the stage… they were determined to pave their own way in this world. The road was not easy, but the dream never changed, and James made it happen.”
The inquest into The Vivienne’s passing will continue in June, as investigators work to determine further details surrounding their cause of death.