'RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025' celebrates the life of Vivienne

As the festivities begin at the fifth annual "RuPaul's DragCon UK" this weekend, promoters and attendees are doing everything they can to ensure attendance Vivienne it is felt everywhere.

It appears just five days after the beloved drag performer sudden passing at 32, hearts were heavy for the start of the event early Friday afternoon. As seen on social media, tributes to Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, have been abundant as she defines her impact on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ media.

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RuPaul tells Vivienne's fans and friends to 'focus on love' as the emotional weekend gets underway

From the start of "RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025", it was clear that Vivienne was still on everyone's mind.

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which "opens" the convention for fans to fully enter the ExCel London convention center, RuPaul stood with co-host and friend Michelle Visage, and makeup artist, "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum Raven, and offered words of hope and meaning to the wider mass.

“I want us to focus on love and remember our dear Vivienne,” she said with loud approval, “because that's what she was.

After reminding the crowd to "live your lives and be free," Ru followed with a cheeky comment that her darling daughter would wholeheartedly approve of.

"Have fun," she said, "and spread the word!"

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'RuPaul's DragCon UK' Pays Tribute to Vivienne's 'Life, Love, And Devotion' Art of Drag

Later in the afternoon, "RuPaul's DragCon UK" will continue on a somber but celebratory note, with a moment where the cast members of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK", Series 1 survived.

Standing in formation on the stage in front of a photograph of The Vivienne before the Queens' Walk, a moment of silence gave way to moving words from the event organisers.

With close friend Bago Chipz in the foreground, the organizer led the crowd.

“We want to take this moment to thank you for everything you've given us,” she shared, adding, “May this weekend be a celebration of (Vivienne's) love, life and dedication to the art of drag. We love you!”

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As the remix of "You Spin Me Round (Like A Record)" filled the hall, the actors walked and jumped on the pink carpet, showing their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent, in front of a crowd of onlookers.

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'RuPaul's DragCon UK' reminds fans to 'be careful' as others mourn Vivienne

With this year's event scheduled months before The Vivienne's death, there was a tacit understanding of the emotional mindset of those attending RuPaul's DragCon UK 2025.

In a note posted on the official "RuPaul's DragCon" X/Twitter profile, event promoters and World of Wonder, the production company behind the Drag Race franchise, asked fans to be respectful to everyone in attendance, politely reminding them how they knew Vivienne and how those who worked with her and knew the contractor.

"As we go through this weekend together, we know that many of us will want to celebrate Vivienne by sharing our condolences with those close to her," the text reads.

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"Please keep in mind," it continues, "that we all process and experience grief differently and that some people may not yet be ready to talk about the loss of someone close to them."

The post follows up by mentioning a special memorial space at the convention for those wishing to express their condolences for Vivienne, with grief counselors from the LGBTQ+ Switchboard Helpline on hand if needed.

“We can't wait to see everyone this weekend and fill the room with love.”

Accolades from far and wide continue to pour in for Vivienne

As the drag community and her fans continue to come to terms with the sudden loss of The Vivienne, waves of tributes continue to pour in from former “Drag Race” contestants and other loved ones.

Bimini Bon Boulash, a standout from the second series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," highlighted Vivienne on X this week as "a unique talent, a sharp tongue and a kind soul."

“Tell the people you love how special they are,” Bimini continued, adding, “Loss is one of the cruelest parts of the human experience. Rest in peace."

Publicist Simon Jones, whose clients included The Vivienne and Bimini Bon Boulash, would go on to write extended work for Metro UK after initially informing fans of the artist's death in a separate statement.

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"What I will remember most are the amazing private moments we shared where Viv would make me laugh uncontrollably," recalls Jones. “Sometimes we'd go to lunch or dinner just to gossip and catch up. That was the magic of Viva. They could walk into a room and it would light up with a presence that everyone felt.”

One of the most emotional statements, without a doubt, came from Bag Chipz, who competed with Vivienne in the first competition of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK".

In a carousel of pictures shared on Instagram, the Series 1 sister runner-up described her dead sister as family and best friend.

"You'll always be Velma to my Louise and I'll always talk to you before I go on stage for every show I do," Bugz wrote, "because let's face it you were a bloody powerhouse when you came on that stage. Always there for me when I needed you. My wonderful boyfriend. My James. Our Viv.”

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RuPaul Gets One On Vivienne's Behalf Of Disgraced 'Drag Race' Star

While RuPaul led with love at the opening of "RuPaul's DragCon 2025" this year, she felt some tough love was needed because of how the former contestant shamed Vivienne hours after her death.

As published on The BlastJames Ross, who competed on the second season of "RuPaul's Drag Race" as Tyra Sanchez in 2010, took to X on Sunday to "nail" the five-year-old's comment made by The Vivienne.

“I bet Tyra was pissed when she realized Netflix spoiled the winner,” the late performer wrote, referring to the app's release of episodes ahead of their original airing schedule.

Ross, in turn, reposted the old comment and replied: "It doesn't compare to crematorium fumes though."

After other "RuPaul's Drag Race" alums and fans criticized her for her rudeness, Mama Ru posted a video of herself "slapping" Ross from an acting challenge during season two, and the audio was replaced by the infamous "Sharkeisha" viral video.



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