RuPaul’s tribute comes after it was reported that he is considering leaving his role as head judge on Drag Race UK
The Vivienne and RuPaul attend the Pink Ribbon Cutting with the cast of Drag Race All Stars Season 7 in Los Angeles, California.(Image: 2022 Getty Images)
RuPaul has spoken out in public for the first time since The Vivienne’s death. At RuPaul’s DragCon, an annual fan convention held in London, the American entertainer addressed the crowds with a tribute to the 32-year-old star who was found dead in their home on Sunday, January 5.
The TV host, supported by friend and fellow BBC judge Michelle Visage, told fans to “focus on love”. He said: “We are here to celebrate life and celebrate love and to spread it around.
“We are going to remember our dear The Vivienne with love and life because that’s what she was all about. She would love for you to live your lives and to be free and to have a lot of fun and spread it around.”
RuPaul’s kind words today, on Friday, January 10, came after it was reported that he was “seriously considering” quitting as head judge of the UK version of the reality competition Drag Race. The 64-year-old trailblazer is the face of the global franchise, but following the death of The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, it was said that RuPaul had been left so “devastated” that he was considering his role in the series moving forward.
A source told The Daily Mirror: “This has come like a bolt out of the blue for Ru. The Vivienne was one of his brightest stars, and everyone knows what a soft spot he had for them.
The Vivienne and RuPaul attend RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2020 at Olympia London(Image: 2020 Getty Images)
“He has been left absolutely devastated by their passing and is now weighing up his own future. Ru is now seriously considering standing down from hosting the UK franchise, which will always be associated with The Viv.”
The news of the Liverpool performer’s death over the weekend was confirmed by their publicist Simon Jones. In an Instagram post, he explained how the renowned Cher impersonator, who began their career on the Pride Quarter’s Stanley Street, was more than just a client but also a friend.
He said: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close 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.
The Vivienne performs at Fabuloso In The Park during the Brighton & Hove Pride 2023.(Image: 2023 Lorne Thomson)
“Their talent was immense, and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
This year at DragCon, a dedicated memorial space has been created to give people space to grieve. The specially designated booth will allow fans to talk to each other and about The Vivienne if they wish to do so.
The company said: “As we all move through this weekend together, we know that many of us will want to celebrate The Vivienne by sharing condolences with those close to her.
The Vivienne attending the “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars(Image: Getty Images)
“Please be mindful that we all process and experience grief differently, and some people might not be ready yet to talk about the loss of someone important to them.
“At the upcoming DragCon event, attendees can pay their respects to The Vivienne in a specially designated memorial area. A booth will be dedicated for people to share their condolences and talk about The Vivienne if they wish.
In a statement on Monday, January 6, Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22 pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death. The spokesman added: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”