Vivienne received a barrage of homophobic abuse after appearing on Blankety Blank over Christmas.
The drag performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died over the weekend at the age of 32. The cause of his death has not yet been announced.
Just days before her tragic passing, Vivienne made her final television appearance in the BBC’s Blankety Blank reboot Christmas special, presented by Bradley Walsh, which aired on Boxing Day.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne was joined by Jonathan Ross, Oti Mabuse, Jane McDonald, Joel Domett and Sara Pascoe.
In the wake of The Vivienne’s death, Britain’s Got Talent’s Myra DuBois (Gareth Joyner) attacked trolls who had “bombarded” The Vivienne with taunts following her TV cameo.
Myra, who was a BGT semi-finalist in 2020, wrote on Instagram: “I don’t know how Vivienne left us, and I will respect the family’s request for privacy by not trying to find out or fueling rumours.
Vivienne received a barrage of homophobic abuse after appearing on Blankety Blank over Christmas.
In the wake of The Vivienne’s death, Britain’s Got Talent’s Myra DuBois (Gareth Joyner) attacked trolls who had ‘bombarded’ The Vivienne with taunts following her TV cameo.
‘What I do know is that after appearing on Blankety Blank at Christmas, they were bombarded with a series of homophobic abuse.
‘I also know that the comment sections of posts announcing his passing are filling up with comments like “one less” and “rest in hell.”
‘I need you to know this. I want you to recognize this. To me, to your colleagues, to your family. I want you to recognize it when there are no LGBTQ+ people in the room with you.
‘You can’t just post how sad you are when LGBTQ+ people die. “I want you to ask me if you are doing everything you can to keep all LGBTQ+ people alive.”
Myra went on to ask her followers if they “challenge transphobia when they encounter it.”
The TV personality added: ‘Do you go out of your way to use pronouns that may not make sense to you right away?
‘Do you post comments of love so that they drown out the comments of hate?
‘Do you oppose political parties that openly discriminate against LBGTQ+ people even if they align with your beliefs elsewhere?
2020 BGT semi-finalist Myra wrote: “I know after appearing on Blankety Blank over Christmas they were bombarded with a series of homophobic abuse.”
‘I don’t care how you answer, it’s between you and yourself. But in recent years I have buried many friends, all of them LGBTQ+, and all of them taken too soon.
‘And it’s NOT because of ‘lifestyle choice’. It is the weight of shame. Society murders queers and I am very, very angry.
News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday.
Tributes poured in for the star, who was born in Wales, including from her ex-husband David Lufton, as well as Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and her co-star Tia Kofi as they shared their heartbreak over her passing.
Confirming the news on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend.
News of the talented drag performer’s death was announced via social media on Sunday.
James Lee Williams seen at The Wizard of Oz press night in 2023
‘James was an incredibly loved, kind-hearted and amazing person. His family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle.
‘They are very proud of the wonderful things James achieved in his life and career. We will not publish more details.
“We ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
He continued: ‘These are words I never 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 each room was amazing. No one has made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did. Her comedic genius and quick wit were like no other.
‘I am so proud and lucky that Viv has been such an important part of my life every day for the past five years. It’s tragic that his career is just beginning. In musical theater, Viv had found a space and career that they loved, excelled at, and thrived on.
“I am heartbroken and devastated by this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us too soon.
The Viviennes were named because they were known for dressing designer Vivienne Westwood and were later one of ten contestants selected to compete on the first series of Drag Race when it crossed the pond.
Following her win, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about the show’s series, before venturing into musical theatre. Recently, the artist presented a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales.