The family of The Vivienne are hoping to ‘prevent future tragedies’ following the death of the Drag Race star.
The performer, real name James Lee Williams, died on January 5 at the age of 32.
Williams’ body was found in the bathroom of their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, with their cause of death revealed earlier this week as a result of ‘effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.’
Now, a few days on, their sister Chanel Williams has spoken about the family’s aim to advocate for ketamine to be classified as a Class A drug to ‘protect vulnerable individuals’.
Posting a statement on Instagram, she began by sharing: ‘The sudden passing of my brother, James, known to many as The Vivienne, has left our family heartbroken and struggling to find our way forward. Sharing his story has not been easy, but we believe it is essential to honour his memory and help others who may be facing similar challenges.
‘James lost his life due to ketamine use, a tragedy that highlights the serious dangers associated with this drug. As we navigate our grief, we feel a profound responsibility to raise awareness about these dangers and to advocate for change in James’ name.
‘Our family is working closely with the charity @adferiad_ on their new Only Human campaign, which aims to combat the stigma surrounding substance use. We want to ensure that individuals struggling with addiction are met with understanding and compassion rather than judgment.’
She continued: ‘Additionally, we are taking steps to engage with the Home Office to advocate for the reclassification of ketamine as a Class A drug. We believe that changing the legal classification is a crucial step in preventing future tragedies and protecting vulnerable individuals from the risks of ketamine.’
Chanel said that while sharing William’s story had been ‘incredibly difficult’, they hoped to ‘shed light on these important issues and help others on their journeys’.
‘In doing this work, we strive to keep James’ legacy alive and make a difference for others. James loved life and lived it to the maximum, full of love and laughter. This is, and always will be, for him. Thank you for your support as we embark on this journey to raise awareness and promote change in memory of our beloved James /The Vivienne 💚.’
This week William’s manager Simon Jones spoke about deciding to share the circumstances of their death.
He told Attitude: ‘I hope that by us releasing this information, we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body.
‘Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.’
The confirmation comes after an inquest was opened by area coroner Victoria Davies on February 12.
Davies stated that further investigation was required into the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death, adjourning the inquest until June 30.
Williams spoke openly about their drug addiction struggles throughout their public life.
In a 2019 episode of Drag Race, they bravely discussed battling addiction for four years, citing the demands of being a drag entertainer as part of the reasons behind it.
‘I was a drug addict for four years of my life. It was party drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party,’ they told the camera.
‘It was constant for me.’
Speaking to fellow contestants, Williams admitted that much of their drug use stemmed from ‘boredom’ as they worked ‘seven nights a week’ and ‘didn’t do anything’ during the day.
‘It was just a habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard.’
Williams described the depths of their addiction as ‘the loneliest part of [their] life’, adding: ‘I was killing myself and my family don’t even know.’
Determined to ‘sort [their] act out,’ Williams moved to Spain, which is where they met David Ludford, whom they married in December 2019.
Following Williams’ death, Ludford penned a crushing tribute, having remained friends following their 2023 breakup.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘My heart is literally shattered, I feel so out of place. I feel lost, I feel numb. Fly high angel and keep shining.’
Williams’ loved ones are now continuing to honour them after their death, having partnered with Adferiad, a charity supporting individuals battling with substance use and their mental health.
They hope to highlight the dangers of ketamine use and ensure those who are struggling can access the help they require.
Williams’ family will play a major part in the organisation’s April campaign, Only Human, which aims to reduce the stigma around addiction and encourage open conversations.
Chanel Williams, their sister, said in a statement: ‘We continue to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death.
‘Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK. 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.’
Williams grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and later moved to Liverpool. They won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice.
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The star also performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of the musical and was due last month as the Childcatcher in the tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Away from the stage, Williams made appearances in Emmerdale, released their own music, and took part in Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
Their funeral was held in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, in January and was attended by Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, TV personality Kim Woodburn, and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney.
Worried about drugs?
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
Adfam has local groups for families affected by drugs and alcohol and DrugFam offers phone and email support to people affected by other people's drug or alcohol misuse.
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