The world of RuPaul’s Drag Race has been shaken by recent events following the untimely passing of beloved performer The Vivienne. As fans and co-stars express their grief, controversy has erupted over a statement made by fellow Drag Race alum, Tyra, known for winning the second season of the show.
James Lee Williams, affectionately known to fans as The Vivienne, rose to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of Drag Race UK in 2019. Tragically, the performer passed away at the age of 32, as confirmed by a representative on January 5th. The entertainment industry has been mourning the loss of a dynamic and talented individual, with a multitude of stars, including Michelle Visage, Jinkx Monsoon, and Rylan, paying heartfelt tributes.
Amidst this wave of sorrow, Tyra, a former contestant on Drag Race, sparked outrage with a deeply controversial comment. Tyra, formerly known as Tyra Sanchez, gained notoriety during her appearance on the show's second season in 2010. In a move that many have found distasteful, she reshared a post from The Vivienne’s X/Twitter account dating back to 2020.
The original post by The Vivienne humorously referenced a spoiler involving Shea Couleé and Netflix’s promotion of Drag Race All Stars 5. Tyra's repost included an insensitive remark, "Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium," which has been condemned by fans and Drag Race stars alike.
The backlash was swift and severe. Among those voicing their disapproval was Kandy Muse, a two-time finalist on the show, who did not mince words in her response. "I’ve defended you for years but now you can absolutely go f**k yourself," Kandy tweeted, adding that any future encounters would be "on sight."
Tatianna, who shared a contentious history with Tyra during their season together, remarked, "Somehow she’s become even worse." Meanwhile, Pink Chadora from Drag Race España and Denali from season 13 echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the community's disappointment with Tyra's actions.
The comment has ignited conversations about the potential revocation of Tyra's season two title, with many calling on Drag Race’s production company, World of Wonder, to take action. Tyra, for her part, has remained defiant, stating that she "couldn’t give two f***s" about losing her crown.
This incident is not Tyra's first public controversy. In 2018, she was reportedly banned from DragCon after allegedly posting threats related to the event. Her legal troubles have continued over the years, with multiple arrests for incidents ranging from criminal damage to traffic violations.
Despite the controversy surrounding Tyra, the focus remains on celebrating The Vivienne's legacy. More than 100 former contestants and celebrities have come together to honor The Vivienne's contributions to the art of drag and beyond.
In the statement confirming The Vivienne's passing, publicist Simon Jones requested privacy for the family, underscoring the need for sensitivity during this difficult time. As the community reflects on The Vivienne's vibrant career and enduring influence, many are reminded of the importance of compassion and respect in times of loss.
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