On Sunday, January 5, 2023, the drag community collectively mourned the untimely death of The Vivienne, RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner, who sadly passed away at the age of 32. The announcement shattered the hearts of fans and fellow drag performers alike, with many taking to social media to honor the late star's memory. Yet, one former contestant stirred controversy by responding with offensive remarks: Tyra Sanchez.
Tyra Sanchez, who won the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race, faced backlash for her comments immediately following the news of The Vivienne's death. Rather than expressing condolences, she opted to quote-tweet The Vivienne's old tweet from 2020, which read, "Bet Tyra was fuming when she realized Netflix spoiled the win too. Sorry gal. You tried, though." Sanchez's response, calling back to their longstanding feud, was chillingly inappropriate: "Yet it doesn’t compare to the fumes of the crematorium." This taunting comment ignited outrage within the Drag Race fandom, leading many to label her words as "vile" and "disgusting."
The backlash quickly escalated, particularly from fellow Drag Race star Kandy Muse, who expressed her fury on X (formerly Twitter). Muse, who has defended Sanchez in the past, exploded with emotion: "I've defended you for years, but now you can absolutely go f--k yourself. If our paths were to ever cross, it’s absolutely on sight, bitch! It's not a threat, it's a promise. You disgusting person." Tyra's continued provocations only fueled the fire, as she replied defiantly, "Threat received. Prepare your funeral." This confrontation starkly illustrated the intensity of feelings surrounding The Vivienne's death and the broader themes of rivalry and respect within the drag world.
This isn't the first time Tyra Sanchez has courted controversy. She has previously made headlines for her hostile behavior toward fellow queens, including being banned from Drag Con after making threats against Phi Phi O'Hara and Tatiana, and facing arrest for allegedly threatening to shoot a police officer earlier this year. Her history of hostility and now insensitive reactions to The Vivienne's death have left many calling for accountability.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was beloved for her talent and warmth. Following her triumph on the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, she became not only a television star but also performed prominently on stage, including roles in the UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz and the upcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical. Simon Jones, The Vivienne's publicist, released a heartfelt statement confirming her death, emphasizing her warmth: "James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person... We will not be releasing any details."
On social media, friends expressed their grief and admiration for The Vivienne, with Jones noting the significant impact she had on his life. He candidly expressed, "These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was someone I loved very much... Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing." Such tributes highlighted the deep connections she forged with her peers.
Despite the overwhelmingly supportive reactions to The Vivienne's legacy, Tyra Sanchez faced relentless criticism for her remarks. Several users slammed her online, describing her as "disgusting" and urging others to disregard her provocations, recognizing them as desperate attempts for attention. One user poignantly reminded others of The Vivienne's light, stating, "Let her soul rest peacefully and go back to being the most forgettable winner of Drag Race, respectfully." Sanchez's actions have led to calls within the community to reconsider her status as a titleholder, which reflects the depth of repoach from the drag community surrounding her behavior.
The police also released updates surrounding The Vivienne's sudden death, stating there were "no suspicious circumstances" for the event. They were called to the scene shortly after the announcement of her passing. The circumstances remind us of the fleetingness of life and how important it is to treasure the real connections we make.
Tyra Sanchez's insensitivity and the ensuing reactions provide insight not only on the challenges within the drag community, such as rivalry and respect but also on how the community responds to loss. While The Vivienne's light continues to shine through the tributes and remembrances shared by fans and performers alike, the dark clouds of animosity and cruelty showcased through Sanchez's tweets serve as stark contrasts to the compassion much of the community felt during this time of grief.
Many have expressed hope for healing and unity within the drag community, advocating for kindness, respect, and the positive remembrance of those who have transcended boundaries of performance and entertainment. The Vivienne will be remembered for her immense talent, heart, and the joy she brought to many. This incident may serve as both the time to mourn and reflect on how love can overshadow rivalry, bringing the community closer together.