# RuPaul’s Drag Race stars and fans have expressed outrage after Tyra, the winner of the show’s second season, made a “vile” comment regarding the passing of fellow Drag Race icon, The Vivienne.

The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, rose to fame as the winner of the first-ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. A representative for the renowned TV and theatre star confirmed on January 5 that the performer tragically passed away over the weekend at the age of 32.

As tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry—featuring heartfelt messages from Michelle Visage, Jinkx Monsoon, and Rylan—former Drag Race contestant Tyra sparked outrage with a deeply offensive comment.

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_Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne has died. (Getty Images)_

Fans and fellow Drag Race stars were quick to condemn the remarks, branding them “twisted” and “cruel.” Two-time finalist Kandy Muse took to social media, saying: “I’ve defended you for years, but now you can absolutely go f**k yourself. If our paths ever cross, it’s absolutely on sight. You disgusting person.”

Tatianna, who clashed with Tyra during their time on season two, added: “Somehow, she’s become even worse.” Pink Chadora from Drag Race España called Tyra’s comment “cruel,” while season 13 alum Denali labeled it “horrible.”

One fan summed up the widespread sentiment by asking, “How miserable do you have to be to crawl out of irrelevance just to mock someone who has recently passed away? Viv’s legacy will far outshine yours.”

The controversy began when Tyra, previously known as Tyra Sanchez during her winning run on Drag Race season two in 2010, reshared a 2020 tweet from The Vivienne. The original post referenced Tyra’s reaction to Netflix accidentally spoiling Shea Couleé’s All Stars 5 win. In the tweet, The Vivienne joked: “Bet Tyra was fuming when she realised Netflix spoiled the win too. Sorry gal. You tried though.”

Following The Vivienne’s death, Tyra reposted the old tweet alongside the shocking comment: “Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium.”

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_Tyra's Tweets mocking the death of The Vivienne_


Many fans are now urging RuPaul’s Drag Race production company, World of Wonder, to strip Tyra of her season two title. Responding to the backlash, Tyra posted a follow-up statement declaring she “couldn’t give two f***s” if her crown was revoked.

This is not the first time Tyra has sparked controversy since her Drag Race win. In 2018, she was reportedly banned from DragCon, the franchise’s fan convention, after allegedly making threats about the event online.

Her legal troubles have also made headlines in recent years. In 2020, she was arrested for criminal damage after allegedly spray painting the phrase “don’t move here ever” on an apartment building. In 2023, she faced another arrest for reportedly threatening to shoot a police officer responding to a traffic incident. Later that year, she was arrested yet again for causing a traffic disruption by protesting in the middle of the road while holding a dildo.

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_Tyra, formerly known as Tyra Sanchez. (Getty Images)_

Meanwhile, over 100 Drag Race alumni and celebrities have united to pay tribute to The Vivienne, sharing their memories and honoring her legacy following her untimely passing.

In the official announcement of her death, publicist Simon Jones requested privacy for The Vivienne’s family, stating that no additional details regarding the circumstances would be released at this time.

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Tyra slammed for disgusting reaction to The Vivienne’s death 😡 

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