The Vivienne’s father pays tribute to their son after late Drag Race UK winner was honoured with Icon Award at inaugural Metro Pride Awards

The Vivienne‘s father paid a heartbreaking tribute to their son after Drag Race UK winner was honoured with the Icon Award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards on Wednesday, February 26.

The star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died suddenly in January at the age of just 32.

At the Metro Pride Awards, The Vivienne was honoured with the Icon Award for their groundbreaking contribution to drag, queer visibility, and advocacy.

Their father Lee accepted the award on behalf of The Vivienne and got choked up as he spoke about his loss.

“James loved being a part of the entertainment world and I know he would’ve been happy… I know he would have absolutely loved tonight’s events,’ Lee said.

“When he was nominated for the Metro award for rising star last year he was honoured and made up to be here. So whilst it is extremely bittersweet to be here without him, being under this roof meant the world to him.

“Thank you to everyone for your huge love and support to James and an amazing night. Thank you so much.’

Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Cheryl Hole was among those who honoured The Vivienne with a special performance at the event.

The drag star told PA: “This event is the first of its kind, and she was the pioneer, the trailblazer of UK drag and I truly am so honoured that we get to be here and keep her legacy alive and her spirit on fire.”

The Vivienne was catapulted to international fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.