As soon as 2025 began, theDrag Raceworld was stopped in its tracks due to shocking and saddening news. On January 5, British drag superstarThe Viviennedied at 32 years old. Now, two months after their passing, the cause of death was revealed by theDrag Racewinner’s friend and publicist, who decided to make it public for a reason: awareness. On anInstagramstory,Simon Jonesrevealed that The Vivienne died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine.
This is the kind of situation in which the cause of death is usually only revealed to close friends and family due to the negative impact that it may have on a person’s legacy. However, Jones argued that recreational use of ketamine is on the rise, and The Vivienne’s family felt it was important to share it with the world so everyone can understand the life-threatening risks of using ketamine. Jones announced a collaboration withAdferiad— a charity institution that supports peopleaffected by substance abuse— and wrote:
“Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly among young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed. We hope that by working with @adferiad_ we can raise vital awareness and give information on how to get help if you are struggling with ketamine usage.”
Earlier this week, The Vivienne’s sister Chanel Williams also commented about the drug to the BBC and called it “extremely dangerous.” Williams added that “if we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”
‘The Vivienne’ Was Among The Best of the Best
The Vivienne was a fan-favorite performer in theDrag Raceuniverse. She was first discovered inSeason 1 ofRuPaul’s Drag Race UK, in which her talents — and her Donald Trump impersonationat the Snatch Game— made her a winner. She was then invited to participate inRuPaul’s Drag Race: All StarsSeason 7, a season in which only winners competed and no one was eliminated. Once again, The Vivienne was a standout among the cast due to her acid humor.
AfterDrag Race, The Vivienne went on to play herself in various TV titles, including her own showThe Vivienne Takes Hollywood. She made her West End debut in 2024 playing The Wicked Witch of the West in a production ofThe Wizard of Oz. After her death,Drag RaceproducersRandy BarbatoandFenton Baileystarted working onDear Viv, a documentary celebrating the life and legacy of the drag queen. You can streamRuPaul’s Drag Race: All StarsandRuPaul’s Drag Race UKon WowPresents+
