Inquest Reveals The Vivienne Died from Ketamine-Related Misadventure

In a coroner's inquest held on June 30, 2025, it was determined that James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, died from cardio-respiratory arrest related to ketamine use. The 32-year-old drag artist and winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK was found unresponsive in the bath of their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on January 5, 2025. The inquest revealed that the last contact with Williams occurred two days prior, during which a friend noted that the performer had evidently taken the substance.

During the investigation, five drug snap bags were discovered in various locations within Williams’s residence, including a drawer and a bathroom bin. The coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, concluded that the death resulted from a misadventure, emphasizing that Williams did not intend to end their life. "The medical cause of death is cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use. I am satisfied that this was a misadventure," Devonish stated.

Dr. Kerry Taylor, a toxicologist who provided a report for the inquest, indicated that while the levels of ketamine found in Williams’s system were relatively high, they were not at a level typically associated with fatal outcomes. Nevertheless, the risks associated with ketamine, including drowsiness and possible heart complications, were reiterated, highlighting the dangers of its misuse.

Williams's family expressed their desire not to have their loved one defined by their struggles with substance use. Williams’s sister, Chanel Williams, spoke candidly about the stigma surrounding drug addiction, suggesting it may have hindered James from seeking necessary help. In a poignant interview with BBC's Newsnight aired in April 2025, she remarked, "If that stigma wasn’t there, would my brother have sought the help he needed?" Chanel emphasized the importance of openly discussing addiction to prevent similar tragedies.

The Vivienne's family is now collaborating with the drug charity Adferiad to advocate for greater awareness regarding addiction and substance use. Chanel further argued for reclassification of ketamine from a Class B to a Class A drug, asserting that many perceive it as less harmful compared to other narcotics, which could lead to more dangerous usage patterns.

The UK government is currently consulting experts to address the rising illegal use of ketamine, which has reportedly reached unprecedented levels. The inquest into The Vivienne’s death serves as a critical point for conversations surrounding drug policy and the societal perceptions of addiction. As the public remembers The Vivienne for their contributions to entertainment and culture, family and advocates alike hope that awareness and understanding of drug-related issues will improve, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for those struggling with addiction.

In summary, The Vivienne's death underscores a pressing need for nuanced discussions about drug use, public health policy, and the importance of destigmatizing addiction. The implications of this tragic event may ripple through both the entertainment community and broader societal frameworks regarding drug use and mental health support.