The Vivienne lay dead in bath for days before they were found
The Drag Race star had taken ketamine before their death, an inquest was told
The Vivienne had taken ketamine and suffered a cardio respiratory arrest
(Image: Getty Images for VH1/Paramount + )
Drag Race star The Vivienne has taken ketamine before they were found dead in the bath by a neighbour, an inquest heard today.
The Vivienne is thought to have laid in the bath for several days before they were found after their neighbour became concerned. The hearing was told that the popular drag queen had died from misadventure after suffering cardio respiratory arrest after taking ketamine.
The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, 32, was found in the bath at their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on Sunday January 5.
The Vivienne was originally from Colwyn Bay, north Wales, and attended Rydal Penrhos but moved to Liverpool aged 16 to become a makeup artist. They took the name The Vivienne because they liked wearing Vivienne Westwood clothes.
The last time anyone had contact with them was on the previous Friday evening, when their friend, Bobby Musker, told Warrington Coroner's Court it was evident the entertainer had taken ketamine.
The inquest into their death heard that five drug snap bags were found in the property, including in a bedroom draw and a bin in the bathroom.
Article continues below
Although the performer had struggled with drugs in the past, Williams' family told the hearing they should not be remembered for their use of ketamine and that drugs did not define the person they were.
Friends and family had no worries about Williams' mental health, the hearing was told, and the performer was looking forward to future roles on TV and in the theatre, although did 'occasionally' take ketamine.
Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, concluding the inquest, said: 'The medical cause of death is cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.
Article continues below
'The conclusion, on the balance of probabilities, I'm satisfied that James Williams' death was a misadventure, he took ketamine but he did not intend to take his own life.'
Williams was the winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and years later admitted having been a drug addict.
An officer of the coroner's court told media that Williams' family would like the media to use 'they/them' pronouns for their loved one.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Strictly star Chris Robshaw's 'horror stalker threats nearly led him to reject BBC show'
Strictly Come Dancing's latest contestant Chris Robshaw has reportedly become the victim of a stalker as he has allegedly been threatened with violence and false allegations Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Robshaw is said to have almost pulled the plug on his time on the BBC show before it has even begun. The England rugby star's friends have claimed he has been targeted by a female stalker. He reportedly met the woman twice during work events last year, with initial abuse starting six months after their first encounter. Chris is said to have called in the police after the woman reportedly threatened him with violence and spread false allegations. According to reports, the woman appears on the National Police Wanted List. She has reportedly left the country and is being sought by police. A spokesperson for Chris told the Mirror: 'This is an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment at this time. Chris will not be commenting further.' Chris's pals have allegedly said the BBC is aware and is supporting him. "Chris almost turned down Strictly because of what this woman has been putting him and his family through," a friend told the Sun. 'She's made some disgusting threats. It has been awful for them. Chris and Camilla have been told by the police they're not alone. This woman has form for what she's been doing to them and has done it to other people too. 'Chris and Camilla are just the latest victims in a string of lives she's tried to destroy." They added that Chris has only gone ahead with Strictly because of his son Wilding. Chris retired from professional rugby in 2022 and was announced that he was joining the Strictly cast on Wednesday. The publication reports that the BBC has worked with Chris to ensure his safety at all times while on the competition. 'Chris hates a fuss and never wants to put anyone out, but he's grateful to how amazing the BBC have been with all of this," a source said. 'He wants to crack on with the competition and give it his best shot." A spokesperson also told the publication: 'This is an ongoing police investigation, and therefore we are unable to comment at this time. Chris will not be commenting further.' Chris is best known as a former England rugby union player and captain, having earned 66 caps for England. The 39-year-old has captained the national team 43 times and led the team to a Six Nations Grand Slam victory in 2016. Speaking about joining Strictly, Rob said: "This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I'm hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can't wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let's see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha." Chris was joined on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show by RuPaul's Drag Race UK star La Voix - who is the first drag queen to compete on the main Strictly series.
Wales Online
5 hours ago
- Wales Online
Strictly Come Dancing's Harry Aikines-Aryeetey staggering net worth leaves fans stunned
Strictly Come Dancing's Harry Aikines-Aryeetey staggering net worth leaves fans stunned Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the only Gladiator in the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special. Here's everything you need to know about the sprinter Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will be competing in this year's Strictly (Image: BBC) The legendary 90s programme Gladiators has returned to our TV screens, with viewers thrilled to witness the comeback of beloved challenges such as Duel and Hang Tough. Among the 16 'superhumans' facing off against challengers is Nitro, better known as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who has now traded press-ups for Paso Dobles as he tackles Strictly Come Dancing. He is following in the footsteps of his fellow Gladiator Montell Douglas, who appeared on the main programme this year. But what more can we discover about this Gladiator?, reports OK!. Let's explore his remarkable background, his dedication as a loving father and his outstanding athletic achievements.... This champion sprinter has dominated British athletics from his teenage years. Article continues below Harry is appearing on the Strictly (Image: Getty Images for Lupus Films) He secured the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year title at merely 17 and made history by securing gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships. "I was gifted from a young age," he modestly admitted. During his adult career, Harry's achievements include capturing gold in the 4x100 metres relay at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. He's a two-time Olympian and World Bronze Medallist, possessing an extensive collection of athletic honours, reports the Mirror. Taking inspiration from Muhammad Ali, Harry said: "When the odds were against him and people didn't think that he'd be as successful as he was, that's one of the things that drives me. sometimes in the face of adversity you've just got to drive through it." Harry balances his Gladiator duties with his online fitness coaching business, overseeing a successful app and continuing his athletics career. His estimated wealth stands at an impressive £3.9 million. Harry Aikines Aryeetey is known as Nitro on Gladiators (Image: BBC) Measuring 5ft 11ins with remarkable 25ins thighs, Harry maintains his physique through a predominantly protein-focused diet, often beginning his morning with a steak breakfast and enjoying cured meats as snacks. Nevertheless, he also acknowledged to Men's Health magazine: "I've been blessed with good genetics, obviously." Harry commands a substantial social media presence, boasting 303K followers on Instagram and regularly posting popular exercise clips on YouTube. He also provides charming insights into fatherhood, lovingly calling his daughter Aubreé-Isla his "Mini Me". He enjoyed a Cornwall break with his daughter and partner, posting a collection of photographs as they took a dip in an outdoor pool and enjoyed beach time. Harry has a daughter called Aubreé-Isla, who he often refers to as his 'Mini Me' (Image: Instagram/Harry Aikines-Aryeetey) He offered another glimpse into family life during Christmas 2022 as the trio donned coordinating festive pyjamas and posed for a heartwarming photograph together. Harry revealed that becoming part of the Gladiators earlier this year was "a childhood dream come true". Article continues below Reflecting on his background, he explained: "You think: 'Gosh, I played those games in the estate where I grew up and I've got the opportunity to actually bring it to life. "It's a celebration of what we are and what we've done." Beyond the arena, Harry commands a substantial social media presence, boasting 303K followers on Instagram.
Sky News
11 hours ago
- Sky News
'Tradwife', 'delulu' and 'skibidi' among new words added to Cambridge Dictionary
The Cambridge Dictionary has officially welcomed 6,000 new words this year - including a wave of new slang inspired by social media. Delulu, tradwife, broligarcy, and lewk, have all been added because experts believe the words will not be just a fad, but will have linguistic staying power. The words have grown in use across social and mainstream media and beyond, linked to celebrities and influencers such as Kim Kardashian (skibidi), Hannah Neeleman of @ballerinafarm (tradwife) and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (delulu with no solulu). Other words linked to working from home, such as "mouse jiggler" - a device or app that simulates mouse movement and stops your computer going into sleep mode - and climate change-related phrases like "forever chemical", have also been added. The dictionary, published by Cambridge University Press, draws its entries not just from the written word but from a huge database of real-world English usage. Some of this year's new words include: Delulu - from the word delusional. The Australian prime minister once used the phrase "delulu with no solulu" (delusional with no solution) in a speech to parliament. Lewk - a play on the word look; meaning a particular style, fashion, or outfit, especially one that is unusual and impressive. Made popular by reality TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. Tradwife - short for traditional wife; especially a woman who stays at home cooking, cleaning and taking care of her children. It reflects a contentious Instagram and TikTok trend of such influencers embracing traditional gender roles. One of the most famous examples is American Hannah Needleman, who has more than 10 million followers and has been called "the queen of tradwifery". Broligarchy - a blend of bro and oligarchy. It refers to a small group of men, especially those in tech, who are rich and powerful, and who have or want political influence. It's been used to describe the likes of Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, who all attended Donald Trump 's inauguration. Work wife/work spouse - workplace relationships where two people help and trust each other. Inspo - short for inspiration; something that inspires something new, especially when posted on the internet. Fitness influencer Alaya F was responsible for an inspo trend after she recommended doing a headstand on a paddleboard in the middle of a river. Colin McIntosh, lexical programme manager at the Cambridge Dictionary, believes the words added to the latest edition won't just be a flash in the pan. "We only add words where we think they'll have staying power," he said. "Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the dictionary." So what does 'skibidi' mean? Skibidi can have a number of different meanings, including good, bad, cool or even weird. It can even have no meaning and can just be a gibberish sound. It was popularised by the creator of a viral animated YouTube series called Skibidi Toilet - about toilets with human heads sticking out of the bowl. The phrase featured on a necklace given as a present to Kim Kardashian by her 12-year-old daughter, North West. The show is popular among Gen Alpha - referring to people born roughly between 2010 and 2024. Phrases such as "What the skibidi are you doing?" and "That wasn't very skibidi rizz of you" have entered mainstream usage.
