The Hidden Battle of The Vivienne: A Story of Fame, Struggle, and Legacy

When James Lee Williams, known to millions as The Vivienne, strutted across the stage of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, fans saw fierce makeup, glamour, and talent. But behind the glitz was a private battle that few, including his closest loved ones, knew about.

James, a beloved drag performer, actor, and mainstream entertainer, passed away in January at just 32. The cause of death was revealed by his family as cardiac arrest due to ketamine usage. The news shocked fans and devastated those closest to him, especially his sister, Chanel Williams.

In an emotional interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel opened up about the heartbreaking truth: the family only learnt about James’s ketamine addiction after watching his confession on Drag Race UK. He had hidden the depths of his struggle to “protect them,” even during the most difficult periods of his life.

“He had a really long period of sobriety,” Chanel said, recalling her brother’s journey. “But we didn’t know about the relapse. We only found out after his death. It breaks my heart wondering—if I had asked more questions, noticed something—could the outcome have been different?”

The Vivienne had been vocal during his stint on Drag Race UK in 2019 about overcoming ketamine addiction. It was a powerful moment—one that resonated with many viewers and earned praise for its openness. But behind the scenes, James was battling in silence.

Chanel believes that very openness created an invisible barrier. “He’d spoken so publicly about having overcome it that going back and saying, ‘I’m struggling again,’ must have felt impossible,” she reflected. “He was at the top of his game—TV shows, West End performances. The pressure to appear okay must have been enormous.”

His tragic death, which occurred in Chorlton-by-Backford near Chester, is now a catalyst for a greater mission. Chanel and her family have turned their grief into a campaign for awareness, working closely with substance abuse charity Adferiad. Their goal is to shed light on ketamine addiction and reduce the stigma that too often silences those suffering.

The Hidden Battle of The Vivienne: A Story of Fame

A full inquest into James’s death is scheduled for June, but his family isn’t waiting to spark change. One of the bold steps they are advocating for is the reclassification of ketamine from a Class B to a Class A drug, which would place it alongside substances like heroin and cocaine in the UK’s legal system.

“Right now, it’s cheap, it’s easy to get, and it’s perceived as less dangerous than it really is,” Chanel warned. “Some younger people see the classification and think it’s harmless. But we know now how devastating it can be.”

The Home Office has acknowledged the growing concern around ketamine use, especially among youth. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson has already reached out to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs for recommendations. A spokesperson extended condolences to The Vivienne’s family and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.

For Chanel, however, this isn’t just about reclassification—it’s about culture. “We need more than legislation,” she said. “We need education, we need healthcare involvement, and we need to create spaces where people can speak without shame.”

Sharing James’s story hasn’t been easy for the family. Talking about his death and the reason behind it came after long and difficult conversations. But ultimately, they chose to speak out with the hope that someone else’s story might end differently.

“Talking about this openly might help one person reach out for help before it’s too late,” Chanel said. “That’s the only thing keeping us going right now—that something good can come out of this tragedy.”

James Lee Williams left behind a powerful legacy as The Vivienne. He was more than a drag superstar—he was a pioneer, an artist, and a symbol of strength in the LGBTQ+ community. But his family hopes that his legacy will now include something even more impactful: saving lives.

“The Vivienne was a trailblazer,” Chanel said. “But James—my brother—was a kind, beautiful soul who wanted to help others. I believe that even in death, he can still do that.”

In the face of loss, Chanel and her family are channelling their pain into purpose. Their mission is not just to remember James but to protect others from suffering the same fate. And through their advocacy, honesty, and resilience, they are doing just that.

As Chanel put it simply, “If I can help one family to not feel what we are feeling, then it’s all worth it.”