June 17th 2023.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne had an upsetting experience on Friday when she took to social media to share an update about a ‘homophobic attack’ she suffered in a McDonald’s in Liverpool.
The 31-year-old, whose real name is James Lee Williams, rose to fame after competing in the series in 2019 and has since gone on to star on the likes of Dancing On Ice and This Is Going To Hurt.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, she wrote: “Today I thought I’d wake up and it would be like a normal day, but I think in 31 years this one has shook me. I haven’t experienced hate like that for years, never mind in the middle of the day. Done nothing but make me use my voice louder and clearer!”
Merseyside Police later confirmed that an arrest had been made after the man ‘made homophobic comments towards him and then punched him in the face. The man then made off’.
The Vivienne’s mother also shared her thoughts in a text message, saying: “As a very proud mother of James I want to share my heartfelt sorrow for the terrible situation that has recently happened. To hear that my most talented son was attacked in Liverpool was not only shocking and disgraceful but really upsetting for me and my family.
“Those of you that have known James/Viv will be aware of the love, passion and commitment to the Liverpool community that he has shared. Upholding and raising the profile of the LGBTQ+ community he has made a huge difference to the lives of so many people who have gained confidence and self belief to come forward to identify as they choose and live a life where they are happy and fulfilled.”
The Vivienne added that she was ‘relieved to hear’ that the attack had been ‘dealt with appropriately by both the police and the employer’.
Detective Inspector Alan Nuttall condemned the attack, saying: “Enquiries are in the very early stages. This was a shocking attack which happened in broad daylight in what would have been a busy venue. There is no place for hate crime in our city and Merseyside Police has a zero tolerance approach to these incidents.”
The Vivienne has been supported by fans since the incident, who have been sending their love and wishing her well. She thanked the staff at the McDonald’s for their help, saying they had ‘removed the idiot from the premises’ and made sure she was okay.
It is clear that homophobia is still a problem and that this should not and cannot be tolerated in contemporary society. We hope The Vivienne is doing okay and that justice is served in this case.
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