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Metro
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Vivienne kept ketamine addiction secret from family to 'protect them'
The family of James Lee Williams, known as drag queen The Vivienne, have revealed that Williams kept their addiction a secret in order to protect them. 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. The star's cause of death was later revealed in March as a result of 'effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.' In a new interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel Williams, 35, revealed that Williams, 32, kept their ketamine addiction a secret from their family to 'protect them'. Chanel revealed in the interview that her brother had a 'really long period of sobriety' before relapsing, and her family had learned about The Vivienne's addiction battles while watching Drag Race. 'I think the first time we even knew that my brother had previously battled with any ketamine addiction was when he appeared on Drag Race. 'So we learned that at the same time as the rest of the nation really, and it was so heartbreaking to know what he'd been through, what he'd been through during that addiction period and had not been able to seek help or speak to us. 'And we had no idea at the point that he passed away that it had become an issue again in his life.' She added: 'A big thing for me now is, had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?' 'He'd spoken openly on Drag Race about the battles he'd had with addiction, and he'd come through the other side of that.' 'He was at the height of everything he was doing, and I think because he'd said it in such an open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again.' A full inquest has been scheduled to look into Williams' death, but police have confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances following the star's death. Since revealing that Williams died from a ketamine-related issue, the star's family has worked with a substance abuse charity named Adferiad to tackle the stigma surrounding the drug. 'It's hard for me because I think if that stigma wasn't there, would my brother have sought the help he needed? 'To think that if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different. 'That's why we've shared James's story.' She added that a key part is to campaign for the government to re-classify ketamine from a Class B drug to Class A, putting it in the same band as cocaine and heroin, not amphetamines and cannabis. 'There's a portion of younger people that maybe look at that classification and think it's less harmful than other drugs,' she says. 'But it's not just about reclassification […] it needs to include education, police, health, to really raise awareness. We need a strategy around drug usage and drug deaths in the UK.' Speaking about this mission further on social media, she said on social media last month that this campaign is helping the family 'find a way forward.' 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. She concluded the lengthy post: 'While sharing James' story has been incredibly difficult, we hope that by doing so, we can shed light on these important issues and help others on their journeys. More Trending '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.' View More » BBC Newsnight is on weekdays at 10:30pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Drag Race star leads tributes to The Vivienne on first birthday after their death MORE: Lily Phillips' Newsnight comments are more dangerous than her challenges MORE: Lily Phillips reveals she watched porn as a child in shock Newsnight interview
The Irish Sun
22-04-2025
- The Irish Sun
The Vivienne's family reveal heartbreaking moment they found out about UK Drag Race star's secret ketamine struggle
THE Vivienne's family revealed the heartbreaking moment they discovered the UK Drag Race star's secret Ketamine struggle. 9 The Vivienne, 32, died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking the drug Credit: Getty 9 Sister Chanel Williams has shared their family heartbreak Credit: BBC 9 The star was found dead at their home in Chester on January 5 Credit: Getty The TV star, who won the first series of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK, near Chester on January 5. James' sister Chanel Williams, who previously said the family "continue to be completely devastated" by the tragedy, has spoken out. She candidly shared that the drag queen legend had hidden their substance struggles for years. Chanel told how they only discovered James' addiction after they opened up about it on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019. Read More At the time, the drag star said: "I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant." They bravely revealed how Ketamine use saw them hospitalised three times in the space of a month. The Vivienne was commended at the time for raising awareness of substance abuse while appearing on the show. Despite staying sober for period of time, James' family were unaware he had relapsed shortly before his death. Most read in Showbiz Chanel told Had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?' "He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think because he'd said it in such an open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again." The Vivienne's family reveal Drag Race star's tragic cause of death (1) The grieving sibling also questioned whether James' fame made them feel they had to hide away amid their relapse. Chanel continued: "To think that if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different." The family are now working tirelessly to raise awareness around the dangers of Ketamine - and see it changed to a Class A drug. Ketamine is used by vets as a horse anaesthetic but is misused as a party drug. Home Office figures seen by The Sun on Sunday show tha 9 The Vivienne with Ru Paul in 2020 Credit: Rex 9 James had hidden their Ketamine struggles from their family Credit: Refer to Caption 9 The star featured on Dancing on Ice in 2023 Credit: PA Chanel explained how they will be working with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to raise awareness. "Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK," she said previously. "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." Simon Jones, The Vivienne's manager and close friend, added: "I hope by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body." Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, said: "Their courage in sharing James' story will help raise vital awareness of the devastating impact substance use can have. "We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of people using ketamine, often unaware of the serious risks it poses to their physical and mental health. "By opening conversations and challenging misconceptions, we can help prevent further tragedies and support those in need to find hope and recovery." James' family said The Vivienne "brought the sparkle to life" and will be missed "for eternity" An inquest previously heard how a post mortem identified an Cheshire Coroner's Court was told Williams was The inquest was adjourned ahead of a full hearing scheduled for June 30. Cheshire Police previously confirmed Williams' death was not being treated as suspicious. The tragedy was first announced by publicist Simon, who paid tribute to the "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person". He added that Williams would be remembered for their "immense talent" and "the light they brought to every room was astonishing". Simon added: "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." Williams won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019. The drag star went on to compete in an all-winners season of the franchise in the US in 2022 - the only Brit to do so. Williams also starred on BBC Three show In 2023, Williams came third place on Dancing on Ice - with judge Presenter Holly Willoughby also shared her heartache at the start of last month's new series. She said: "Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne's passing last weekend. "Now they were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. "They'll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne's loved ones at this time. So sad." RuPaul's Drag Race judge Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: "We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. "You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many. "Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes. "I'm the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times." Williams was born in Wales but moved to Liverpool as a teenager to launch a career as a make up artist. They met husband David Ludford after moving to Gran Canaria in 2017. The couple announced their separation in April 2023. David paid tribute following the tragedy, saying: "My heart literally sank when I got the call. "Never in a million years did I ever think I'd ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams. "This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time! "He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone. "You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel." 9 The family are trying to see Ketamine raised to a Class A drug Credit: BBC/UNPIXS 9 The TV star had been commended for opening up about their battle in 2019 Credit: BBC 9 James' sister revealed they are now working with the charity Adferiad to raise awareness Credit: Getty
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The Vivienne's family reveal heartbreaking moment they found out about UK Drag Race star's secret ketamine struggle
THE Vivienne's family revealed the heartbreaking moment they discovered the UK Drag Race star's secret Ketamine struggle. James Lee Williams, 32, died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking the drug, it was revealed last month. 9 9 The TV star, who won the first series of RuPaul 's Drag Race UK, was discovered at home near Chester on January 5. James' sister Chanel Williams, who previously said the family "continue to be completely devastated" by the tragedy, has spoken out. She candidly shared that the drag queen legend had hidden their substance struggles for years. Chanel told how they only discovered James' addiction after they opened up about it on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019. At the time, the drag star said: "I couldn't leave the drugs at the party, it was constant." They bravely revealed how Ketamine use saw them hospitalised three times in the space of a month. The Vivienne was commended at the time for raising awareness of substance abuse while appearing on the show. Despite staying sober for period of time, James' family were unaware he had relapsed shortly before his death. Chanel told the BBC: "Had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?' "He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think because he'd said it in such an open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again." The Vivienne's family reveal Drag Race star's tragic cause of death (1) The grieving sibling also questioned whether James' fame made them feel they had to hide away amid their relapse. Chanel continued: "To think that if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different." The family are now working tirelessly to raise awareness around the dangers of Ketamine - and see it changed to a Class A drug. Ketamine is used by vets as a horse anaesthetic but is misused as a party drug. Home Office figures seen by The Sun on Sunday show tha t use of the drug more than doubled in a year, from 10.6 tonnes in 2023 to almost 25 tonnes in 2024. 9 9 Chanel explained how they will be working with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to raise awareness. "Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK," she said previously. "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." Simon Jones, The Vivienne's manager and close friend, added: "I hope by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body." Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, said: "Their courage in sharing James' story will help raise vital awareness of the devastating impact substance use can have. "We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of people using ketamine, often unaware of the serious risks it poses to their physical and mental health. "By opening conversations and challenging misconceptions, we can help prevent further tragedies and support those in need to find hope and recovery." James' family said The Vivienne "brought the sparkle to life" and will be missed "for eternity" during a vigil in Liverpool shortly after the death. An inquest previously heard how a post mortem identified an "unnatural" cause of death but further tests were needed. Cheshire Coroner's Court was told Williams was identified by their father, Lee Williams. The inquest was adjourned ahead of a full hearing scheduled for June 30. Cheshire Police previously confirmed Williams' death was not being treated as suspicious. The tragedy was first announced by publicist Simon, who paid tribute to the "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person". He added that Williams would be remembered for their "immense talent" and "the light they brought to every room was astonishing". Simon added: "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." Williams won the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019. The drag star went on to compete in an all-winners season of the franchise in the US in 2022 - the only Brit to do so. Williams also starred on BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020 and appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022. In 2023, Williams came third place on Dancing on Ice - with judge Oti Mabuse leading tributes to the "phenomenal entertainer" and "trailblazer". Presenter Holly Willoughby also shared her heartache at the start of last month's new series. She said: "Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne's passing last weekend. "Now they were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. "They'll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne's loved ones at this time. So sad." RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also paid tribute to Williams, writing that their death was "heartbreaking". Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: "We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. "You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many. "Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes. "I'm the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times." Williams was born in Wales but moved to Liverpool as a teenager to launch a career as a make up artist. They met husband David Ludford after moving to Gran Canaria in 2017. The couple announced their separation in April 2023. David paid tribute following the tragedy, saying: "My heart literally sank when I got the call. "Never in a million years did I ever think I'd ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams. "This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time! "He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone. "You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel." 9 9 9
Powys County Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Powys County Times
The Vivienne's sister questions if drug use ‘stigma' stopped them seeking help
The sister of The Vivienne has questioned whether the 'stigma' around drug use stopped the drag queen from seeking help. James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5 after taking ketamine at the age of 32. Chanel Williams told BBC Two current affairs programme Newsnight that The Vivienne did not discuss their relapse, including a hospital stay, 'to protect them', following 'a really long period of sobriety'. 'It's hard for me because I think, if that stigma wasn't there, would my brother have sought the help he needed?' she said. 'To think that, if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different. 'That's why we've shared James's story.' The family revealed in March that the drag queen died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', to raise awareness. They also said they would work with the drug charity Adferiad on future campaigns. 'He'd spoken openly on Drag Race about the battles he'd had with addiction, and he'd come through the other side of that,' Ms Williams said. 'He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think, because he'd said it in such an open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again.' She also said the classification of ketamine should be moved from Class B to Class A, because people 'think it's less harmful than other drugs', among other measures to tackle addiction. She added: 'But it's not just about reclassification… it needs to include education, police, health, to really raise awareness. We need a strategy around drug usage and drug deaths in the UK.' The Government is seeking expert advice after the illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. While on the BBC show, Wales-born The Vivienne admitted having been a drug addict for four years, saying the addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'. Reflecting on sobriety, the musical theatre and Dancing On Ice star said: 'I had to be kicked out of my house and told that I would be dead by the time I was 30. 'It was the loneliest part of my life. I was killing myself… and my family don't even know. I was pissing my life up the wall and I could've been dead now if I didn't do anything about it.' An inquest into their death was opened and adjourned at Cheshire Coroner's Court in Warrington, with a full inquest listed to take place on June 30. According to the Home Office, in the year ending March 2023 an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of ketamine, which is controlled as Class B. The UK national anti-drug advisory service Frank says the substance is a general anaesthetic that reduces sensations in the body which can make users feel dream-like and detached, chilled, relaxed and happy, but also confused and nauseated. Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson wrote to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) in January to express the Government's concern over young people's ketamine use and call for the classification to be reassessed. A Home Office spokesman said: 'Our thoughts are with James's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic death, which has sadly reinforced once again the serious dangers of taking ketamine. 'In January this year, the minister for policing and crime prevention wrote to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs expressing the Government's concern about the growth in the use of ketamine, and asking them to consider whether to reclassify it as a Class A drug. 'We will not hesitate to act when the ACMD reports back, and, in the meantime, we will continue to work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply.'
The Guardian
22-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
The Vivienne's sister speaks out about drug use ‘stigma'
The sister of The Vivienne has questioned whether the 'stigma' around drug use stopped the drag queen from seeking help. James Lee Williams, 32, who won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, died at home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire on 5 January after taking ketamine. Chanel Williams told the BBC Two current affairs programme Newsnight that The Vivienne did not discuss their relapse, including a hospital stay, to 'protect' their family, after 'a really long period of sobriety'. 'It's hard for me because I think, if that stigma wasn't there, would my brother have sought the help he needed?' she said. 'To think that, if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different. 'That's why we've shared James's story.' The family revealed in March that Williams died 'from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest', to raise awareness. They also said they would work with the drug charity Adferiad on future campaigns. 'He'd spoken openly on Drag Race about the battles he'd had with addiction, and he'd come through the other side of that,' Chanel said. 'He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think, because he'd said it in such an open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again.' Among other measures to tackle addiction, she also said ketamine should become class A rather than class B, because people 'think it's less harmful than other drugs'. She added: 'But it's not just about reclassification … It needs to include education, police, health, to really raise awareness. We need a strategy around drug usage and drug deaths in the UK.' The government is seeking expert advice after the illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels. While on Drag Race, Welsh-born The Vivienne said they had been a drug addict for four years, saying the addiction was a 'habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard'. In the UK, Action on Addiction is available on 0300 330 0659. In the US, call or text SAMHSA's National Helpline at 988. In Australia, the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline is at 1800 250 015; families and friends can seek help at Family Drug Support Australia at 1300 368 186.
