The Vivienne’s Family Opens Up About Ketamine Use and Legacy After Performer’s Death

Chanel Williams, the sister of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne, spoke in an interview on ITV’s Lorraine. She talked about The Vivienne’s struggle with ketamine and how their family wants to change the law. The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died in January. Now, the family wants to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine.

This article will talk about The Vivienne’s legacy, the family’s mission, and why they want ketamine to be a Class A drug. They hope to help others and stop future tragedies.

The Vivienne’s Legacy: A Drag Star’s Journey

The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. They became famous for their performances and fun personality. But after their sudden death, people learned that The Vivienne struggled with ketamine. The drug caused a heart attack, which led to their death at age 32.

Chanel Williams said their family is now working to make ketamine a Class A drug. She wants to stop other families from going through the same pain.

“It has destroyed us,” Chanel said. “He loved life. He had struggles, but we didn’t know it had gotten this bad.”

The Hidden Danger of Ketamine

Chanel said their family did not know how much The Vivienne was struggling with ketamine. In the past, The Vivienne talked about addiction and had stayed sober for a long time. But recently, they kept their struggle a secret. This shows how addiction can be hard to talk about, even after recovery.

The Vivienne was always busy with their career. In 2023, they appeared on Dancing On Ice. Because of this, their family did not see the warning signs. This is why it is important to talk openly about mental health and addiction.

The Family’s Mission: Change the Law

Chanel and her family are asking the government to change ketamine’s status from Class B to Class A. They believe ketamine is more dangerous than people think. Changing its classification could help save lives.

Chanel said, “The Vivienne was a trailblazer. This is also James’s legacy now. He would have wanted to help others.”

The family hopes their campaign will help people understand the risks of ketamine. They also want people to know the signs of addiction and seek help sooner.

What We Can Learn From The Vivienne’s Story

The Vivienne’s death is a reminder that support and mental health care are very important. Addiction is not easy to overcome, and asking for help can be hard. Chanel hopes their story will help others.

Important Lessons:

• Addiction is an ongoing battle – Recovery does not mean addiction is gone forever. Relapse can happen, and support is needed.
• Talk about addiction – Chanel and her family want to help people feel safe asking for help.
• Ketamine is dangerous – Right now, it is a Class B drug, but Chanel wants it to be Class A because of its risks.

What Happened to The Vivienne?

The Vivienne died on January 5, 2025, at age 32. Their family and manager later confirmed the cause of death was a heart attack due to ketamine use.

The Vivienne was loved by many. They won Drag Race UK, competed on Dancing On Ice, and inspired people with their confidence. Now, their family wants their legacy to help others stay safe from drugs.

Also Read: Dame Mary Berry’s 90th Birthday: BBC Special, Celebrity Tributes, and Instagram Debut

Final Thoughts

The Vivienne’s death is a big loss to the drag and entertainment world. Their family, especially Chanel, is determined to keep their memory alive by fighting for change. They want people to know about the dangers of ketamine and help others avoid the same fate.

Chanel encourages people to talk about addiction without fear. If more people speak up, fewer will suffer in silence.

Call to Action

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please seek help. Talking about it can make a big difference. Let’s honor The Vivienne by breaking the stigma and supporting those who need it.

FAQs