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Ariana Grande shares tribute following tragic death of Drag Race star The Vivienne aged 32

Home> Entertainment> Celebrity

Updated 12:46 6 Jan 2025 GMTPublished 10:47 6 Jan 2025 GMT

Ariana Grande shares tribute following tragic death of Drag Race star The Vivienne aged 32

The reality TV star's death was announced by their publicist on Sunday (5 January)

Rhianna Benson

Rhianna Benson

Featured Image Credit: Monica Schipper/WireImage/Mike Marsland/WireImage

Topics: Ariana Grande, LGBTQ, Reality TV, Rupauls Drag Race, TV And Film, UK News, US News, The Vivienne

Rhianna Benson
Rhianna Benson

Rhianna is an Entertainment Journalist at LADbible Group, working across LADbible, UNILAD and Tyla. She has a Masters in News Journalism from the University of Salford and a Masters in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh. She previously worked as a Celebrity Reporter for OK! and New Magazines, and as a TV Writer for Reach PLC.

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@rhiannaBjourno

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Ariana Grande has released an emotional tribute in the wake of the death of RuPaul's Drag Race UK star The Vivienne.

The reality television star's death was announced yesterday (5 Jan) on social media, by their publicist Simon Jones.

"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," Jones wrote on Instagram.

"James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

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"They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."

Drag performer The Vivienne has died aged 32 (Instagram/@thevivienne_)
Drag performer The Vivienne has died aged 32 (Instagram/@thevivienne_)

The celebrity PR went on to emphasise that no 'further details' surrounding the 32-year-old's death will be released at this time in a bid to ensure their 'family are given the time and privacy to process and grieve'.

Tributes have since come pouring in, including Strictly star Oti Mabuse, who wrote online: "WHAT??? I’m so sorry - this is unbelievable."

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Fellow Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote: "I’m so sorry I’m in total shock." And The Vivienne's All Stars 7 co-star Jinkx Monsoon said: "I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv."

Now, Wicked actress Ariana Grande - who'd previously appeared as a guest judge on the reality TV competition - has also paid tribute to The Vivienne.

Following her appearance at last night's Golden Globes ceremony, the 31-year-old star took to Instagram to share a photo of the star - who was crowned the winner of the first ever UK version of the show.

The photo was captioned with three hearts and an infinity emoji.

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Ariana Grande has paid tribute to the drag star (Instagram/@arianagrande)
Ariana Grande has paid tribute to the drag star (Instagram/@arianagrande)

The Vivienne had previously played the 'Wicked Witch of the West' in the musical revival of The Wizard of Oz musical, and had recently donned an Elphaba-esque outfit to the London premiere of the movie.

Long-time Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has also paid homage to the star with a lengthy message.

Sharing a snap of the two of them together, she wrote: "Heartbreaking I don't know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.

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"You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point."

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has since shared a tribute (Instagram/@thevivienne_)
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage has since shared a tribute (Instagram/@thevivienne_)

Michelle added: "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.

"Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes,'

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'I'm the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling.

"You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high".

  • Drag Race star The Vivienne made incredibly important final post before death aged 32
  • Drag Race star The Vivienne made powerful plea to fans about important cause in final post before tragic death
  • Police share update following tragic death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne
  • Ariana Grande defended after being called out over 'queer' Wicked claim

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