Drag Queen’s Fatal Secret

James Lee Williams, famed for his drag persona The Vivienne, tragically passed away at 32, with his family unaware of his secret ketamine addiction until after his appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The 2019 winner was found dead from cardiac arrest caused by ketamine use, with an inquest scheduled for June. His sister, Chanel, shared that James concealed his addiction to protect the family, reflecting, “Had I asked the questions or looked for the signs, would the outcome have been different?”

While James had previously overcome addiction and enjoyed a period of sobriety, he unfortunately relapsed before his untimely death. Chanel explained how his public candor on Drag Race became a double-edged sword: “It’s really difficult to come back and say you’re struggling again after speaking so openly.”

In the aftermath of his passing, Chanel and the Williams family have turned their grief into action by partnering with the Adferiad charity to raise awareness about ketamine addiction. They are determined to break the stigma surrounding the drug, hoping to prevent others from facing the same tragic outcome. “If the stigma wasn’t there, would my brother have sought the help he needed?” Chanel asked, underscoring the impact of societal judgment on his decision to remain silent about his struggles.

The Williams family is also campaigning for ketamine to be reclassified from a Class B to a Class A drug, citing the growing number of young people seeking rehabilitation for ketamine-related issues. Chanel believes that raising awareness and creating a comprehensive strategy to combat drug misuse is crucial: “It’s not just about reclassification... it needs to include education, police, health, to really raise awareness. We need a strategy around drug usage and drug deaths in the UK.”

In remembering her brother’s legacy, Chanel expressed, “The Vivienne left a legacy as a trailblazing icon, and this, I feel, is James's legacy: to help other people. If I can help one family to not feel what we are feeling, then it’s all worth it.” Her commitment to advocacy is a heartfelt tribute to James, ensuring that his struggles will aid the larger movement against addiction.