RuPaul‘s Drag Race star Tyra Sanchez has sparked a furious backlash after sharing ‘vile’ posts about the sudden death of The Vivienne.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically died last week aged 32 following a glittering career after being propelled to fame when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
Police investigating the tragic star’s ‘sudden’ death today confirmed there were ‘no suspicious circumstances’.
As tributes poured in for one of Britain’s most recognisable drag queens, Sanchez, who won the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has been heavily criticised for a series of nasty tweets.
Sanchez, formerly known as King Tyra and whose real name is James Ross, responded to a 2020 tweet from The Vivienne on the day that their untimely death was confirmed by manager Simon Jones.
The Vivienne’s old tweet from nearly five years ago said: ‘Bet Tyra was fuming when she Realised Netflix Spoiled the win Too. Sorry gal. You Tried though.’
Digging up the historical tweet on Sunday, Sanchez wrote: ‘Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium.’
The twisted tweet has been met with a flurry of criticism from fellow drag queens and fans.
RuPaul Drag Race star Tyra Sanchez has sparked a backlash after making a sickening post about the sudden death of The Vivienne
The Vivienne pictured in the promo for 2023’s Dancing on Ice in which they came second
The twisted tweet has been met with a flurry of criticism from fellow drag queens and fans
Drag queen Kandy Muse, whose real name is Kevin Gabriel Candalario, said: ‘I’ve defended you for years but now you can absolutely go f*** yourself and if our path were to ever cross it’s absolutely on sight b****, it’s not a threat it’s a promise. you disgusting person.’
But Sanchez replied: ‘Threat received. Prepare your funeral.’
The drag star also doubled down in a series of tweets afterwards, including one which said: ‘She’s dead. Rotting. Sending me all the hate in the world won’t bring her back. But do as you must. Because of you the tweet has reached over 25k individuals. Thanks for the much needed attention that I oh so desperately needed.’
Another X user posted: ‘You are disgusting … Shame on you.’
And another wrote: ‘This was very twisted. As someone who used to admire you, this is so coldhearted and disappointing.’
The Vivienne’s death has shocked fans of RuPaul Drag Race around the world.
In an update on Monday, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said officers were called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: ‘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.’
It comes after The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones confirmed the star’s death on Sunday, writing: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
James Lee Williams, tragically died last week aged 32 following a glittering career that launched to new heights when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Pictured: The Vivienne’s post on Instagram announcing their return to The Wizard of Oz tour
Tyra Sanchez doubled down on the twisted tweet and sparked a major backlash on Sunday
‘James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
‘They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.
‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
He continued: ‘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. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
‘I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.’
Confirming the news on Instagram, Simon Jones PR wrote: ‘It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne pictured in May 2022
The Vivienne performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
They were due to be back on tour next month performing in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical in the role of the Childcatcher.
Speaking in 2019 ahead of competing in the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne explained their name saying: ‘I love Vivienne Westwood and when I moved to Liverpool everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood.’
The Vivienne said of their drag style: ‘My style is like a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.’
Colin Grafton and The Vivienne (right) during a photo call for Dancing On Ice 2023
Pictured: The Vivienne attending the British Soap Awards in 2023 at The Lowry Theatre in Salford
RuPaul’s Drag Race said it was ‘deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne‘.
In a post on social media, the television show said Williams’s ‘talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration’.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said the news was ‘deeply sad’, adding that the broadcaster was ‘fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements’.
Williams competed in Dancing On Ice in the same year as former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who said in a tribute that she was ‘lost for words’ and ‘deeply saddened’.
‘You were so beautiful inside and out and I will never forget our experiences we shared during Dancing On Ice,’ she wrote.