RuPaul Charles himself has shared an official statement reacting to the news that The Vivienne — the first-ever crowned winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK — tragically passed away over the weekend.
Even though RuPaul keeps a rather low profile on social media, the Drag Race mogul broke her silence to share a statement mourning the loss of The Vivienne. Not only was Viv as the OG winner of Drag Race UK, but Ru subsequently invited her back as the only international queen to compete in the all-winners edition of All Stars 7.
RuPaul's official statement shared on her personal Instagram account reads:
"With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne — an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."
The Vivienne was introduced to fans on Drag Race UK season 1 — making it all the way to the grand finale alongside Baga Chipz and Divina de Campo, and ultimately being crowned as the winner of the U.K. series.
In 2022, RuPaul's love and respect for The Vivienne was further evidenced by her casting in the first-ever all-winners season of the franchise, All Stars 7, along with supreme fan-favorites like Jinkx Monsoon, Monét X Change, Trinity The Tuck, Shea Couleé, Raja, Yvie Oddly, and Jaida Essence Hall. While The Vivienne didn't snatch that particular trophy, she was even more consolidated within the overall Drag Race universe.
The Vivienne and RuPaul at RuPaul's DragCon UK in 2020.
Karwai Tang/WireImage
RuPaul hasn't been shy about showing her love of several queens, and Viv was clearly a very special "RuGirl" for the Emmy Award-winning Drag Race host.
In the meantime, drag artists and other celebrities continue to mourn the loss of The Vivienne since the news of her death was first reported on Sunday, Jan. 5.
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars is streaming on Paramount+. RuPaul's Drag Race UK is streaming on WOW Presents Plus.
