The late James Lee Williams, also known by his drag persona The Vivienne, kept his struggles with ketamine addiction hidden from his family until his appearance on Drag Race UK. In a recent interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel Williams, the sister of James, revealed that he had been battling addiction and was even hospitalized due to his drug use. The family was shocked to discover the extent of his struggles after his death in January, which was later attributed to a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine.
Chanel reflects on the fact that had she been more observant or asked the right questions, the outcome might have been different for her brother. Despite James’s brave and candid discussions about his addiction on Drag Race UK, he ultimately succumbed to the pressures and challenges of maintaining sobriety in the entertainment industry. The family is now committed to raising awareness about substance abuse and tackling the stigma surrounding addiction.
Following James’s tragic passing, the Williams family has been working closely with substance abuse charity Adferiad to advocate for better understanding and support for those struggling with addiction. Chanel is pushing for ketamine to be re-classified as a Class A drug in the UK, in the hopes that it will lead to more comprehensive strategies for addressing drug use and preventing further tragedies. The government is currently seeking expert advice on ketamine re-classification, highlighting the urgent need to address the rise in young people using the drug.
Chanel’s efforts to share her brother’s story and promote open dialogue about addiction serve as a tribute to The Vivienne’s legacy. She believes that if her advocacy can prevent even one family from experiencing the pain that hers has endured, it will all be worth it. The family’s hope is that by shedding light on James’s struggles, they can inspire positive change and help others who may be silently battling addiction
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