The Vivienne’s heart-wrenching final post revealed: Drag Race UK winner took to social media just days before their death

Former Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne shared a heartbreaking post on social media just days before their tragic deaths at the age of 32.

The drag artist, whose real name was James Lee Williams, took to Instagram on Thursday to urge fans to donate to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR.

Vivienne, who won the first series of British version Ru Paul’s Drag Race in 2019, described the charity’s work as ‘incredible’.

Encouraging others to give £1 a month, they wrote: ‘Join me this year and give back with me, everything I do in charity is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpool’s oldest LGBT+ charity!!!

‘The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month, you won’t miss it.’

News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced on social media on Sunday evening, with tributes pouring in for the star. A cause has yet to be determined.

Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones, publicist for The Vivienne, wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – passed away this weekend.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and wonderful person. Their family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle.

“They are so proud of the wonderful things James has achieved in their lives and careers. We will not release any further details.

“We please ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they need at this time to process and grieve.”

He continued, “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a good friend, a client and someone I loved very much.

“From the moment I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought into every room was astonishing. No one in my life has ever made me laugh as much as Viv. Their comedic brilliance and quick wit were like no other.

“I’m so proud and happy that Viv has been such a big part of my life every day for the past five years. Tragically, their careers were just beginning. In musical theater, Viv had found a space and career that they loved, excelled in, and thrived in.

‘I am heartbroken and devastated by this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”

The Vivienne was named because they were known for wearing designer Vivienne Westwood and later were one of ten contestants selected to compete in the first series of Drag Race when it traveled across the pond.

Following their win, The Vivienne hosted an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about the show’s series before venturing into musical theatre. The artist recently presented a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.

Tributes poured in for the star, with Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi writing: ‘This is an incredible loss for the British drag community and for the world. Viv represented British drag at its very best on stage and internationally.

“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be deeply felt by all of us. I love you Viv.’

Meanwhile, Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared photos of her and The Vivienne together on Instagram with the caption: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.

‘My love @thevivienne_ we go back to when I came here to Britain. You were always there, always smiling, always giving, always sharp.

‘Your laugh, your humor, your talent, your drag. I loved everything, but most of all I loved your friendship. You were a beacon to many.

‘It was amazing for me to see you make your West End debut and watch your dream come true before my eyes. I am the lucky one to have known and laughed with you so many times.

‘I love you my love. You will be so missed my love. May your light shine brightly, forever. TEAR MY ANGEL, fly high.”

“The news about The Vivienne is so sad,” Rylan wrote on X, formerly Twitter. ‘What a great artist. What a loss. Rest in peace beautiful xxx.”

Vivienne’s series one co-stars paid tribute to the stay, with Blu Hydrangea writing: “Truly heartbroken to hear about the loss of a dear friend and sister.”

“I will love you forever Viv,” Cheryl said, and Crystal added, “I can’t believe this.”

The star next appeared in the US version’s All Winners series, and co-star Trinity The Tuck shared: ‘I’m devastated.’

‘I am completely and utterly shocked. This is so devastating,” Shea Coulee said

Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts commented under Michelle’s post: ‘I can’t believe this. Heartbreaking news. What an icon. May Viv rest in peace.” Her bandmate Kimberley Wyatt added: “Heartbroken. I’m in complete shock. I’m so sorry.’

Coronation Street star Lisa Riley shared her tribute to The Vivienne, writing: ‘You incredible human being…rest in peace, never stop shining your beautiful light on us all.

‘Love and strength to your entire family, we will miss you dearly.’

West End and Big Brother star Marisha Wallace said: ‘I’m completely shocked that I spoke to Viv last week. What in the world. Let’s pray for the family. So sad.’

British comedian Jayde Adams added: “I am completely undone by this news. The Vivienne’s light was unparalleled and her impact will be felt forever. Simon, my love, I am so deeply sorry for your loss and for her family. I will keep you in my thoughts and send all my love. ‘

The drag performer’s shocking death came just days after they said when they meet strangers they hope they “like gays,” as they said in a victim impact statement.

The comments came after magistrates ruled last month that a one-punch attack by scaffolder Alan Whitfield on The Vivienne was a hate crime.

The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in Dancing On Ice last year, was targeted at the restaurant in Edge Lane on June 16 last year.

They were subjected to a ‘barrage of abuse’ by the suspect, who then hit him with a ‘severe blow’ to the left side of his face.

Their faces were bruised and bruised for a week, but The Vivienne said they were ‘lucky’ to be a 6ft tall ex-rugby player who could take a beating, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told.

In a victim personal statement read to the court on Wednesday, The Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am, or edited myself.

‘I’m ashamed to say that at the age of 31 I am now much more aware that I could be attacked at any moment simply because I am living my life.

“This has caused me stress, anxiety and ongoing trauma.”

Last year they made history when they became the first drag queen to perform on Dancing On Ice, with viewers branding her a ‘superstar’.

Vivienne and her professional partner Colin Grafton were delighted as they scored a total of 28.5 out of 40, with Ashley, Oti and Jayne scoring her 7, while Chris gave a 7.5.

Oti praised the first performance of The Vivienne: ‘If you’re going to write history, that’s how you write history, congratulations!’