The sister of James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, says her family only learned of the drag performer's battle with ketamine addiction after watching Drag Race UK. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel Williams, 35, says James had kept the struggle - including being hospitalised because of the drug - a secret from the family "to protect them". The 32-year-old died in January, with the familylater announcing the cause of deathas a cardiac arrest caused by taking ketamine. Chanel says her brother had "a really long period of sobriety" before relapsing, something she says the family only discovered after James's death. "A big thing for me now is, had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?" she says. The Vivienne was praised for speaking openly about ketamine abuse and the struggle of becoming sober while appearing on Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019. Chanel is now hoping to continue that legacy by campaigning to encourage people to talk openly about substance abuse. She believes the stigma around addiction, and herbrother's successful career on stage and TV, meant James didn't seek professional help. "He'd spoken openly on Drag Race about the battles he'd had with addiction, and he'd come through the other side of that," she says. "He was at the height of everything he was doing and I think because he'd said it in such a open platform, it's really difficult to come back and say you're struggling again." Chanel says she's concerned about the rise in young people taking ketamine, which she believes is in part because the drug is cheap and easily accessible. James's body was found in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on 5 January. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death, and a post-mortem examination revealed an "unnatural cause of death." A full inquestis scheduled for June 30. But in March, the family told BBC News that the star died from cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine. Since making the announcement, they've been working with substance abuse charity Adferiad to raise awareness and tackle stigma around the drug, something Chanel says is an "important step" in those facing addiction. "It's hard for me because I think if that stigma wasn't there, would my brother have sought the help he needed?" she says. "To think that if we'd known, or if he'd have felt able to talk and really reach out for the help that was needed, the outcome could've been different. "That's why we've shared James's story." Chanel and her family are also campaigning for the government to re-classify ketamine from its current status as a Class B drug to Class A, which would put it in the same category as heroin and cocaine. "There's a portion of younger people that maybe look at that classification and think it's less harmful than other drugs," she says. "But it's not just about reclassification […] it needs to include education, police, health, to really raise awareness. We need a strategy around drug usage and drug deaths in the UK." The UK government is currently seeking experts' advice on the re-classification of ketamine, with Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson writing to the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) expressing concern over therise in young people taking the drug. A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "Our thoughts are with James's family and friends, and all those affected by this tragic death, which has sadly reinforced once again the serious dangers of taking ketamine. "We will not hesitate to act when the ACMD reports back, and in the meantime, we will continue to work across health, policing and wider public services to drive down drug use and stop those who profit from its supply." Chanel said it had been difficult to share the information about how James had passed away but that the family "talked about what we can do". "The Vivienne left a legacy as a trailblazing icon and this, I feel, is James's legacy. To help other people," she says. "If I can help one family to not feel what we are feeling, then it's all worth it." You can see the full interview with The Vivienne's sister Chanel on BBC Newsnight at 10:30 on BBC Two andBBC iPlayer.
The Vivienne hid ketamine struggle 'to protect family'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Sister of Drag Performer The Vivienne Discusses Ketamine Addiction and Advocacy Efforts"
Bbc News
7.7
TruthLens AI Summary
Chanel Williams, the sister of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, revealed that her family learned about his struggle with ketamine addiction only after watching him on Drag Race UK. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Chanel shared that James had kept his addiction secret from the family to protect them, leading to a tragic outcome when he died in January from cardiac arrest linked to the drug. She expressed her regret, wondering if she could have changed the outcome had she asked the right questions or noticed the signs earlier. Chanel emphasized that James had managed to maintain a long period of sobriety before his relapse, a fact that deeply affected the family after his passing. The Vivienne had previously spoken about his battles with addiction during his time on Drag Race, which made it even harder for him to reach out for help when he needed it most. Chanel's aim now is to carry on his legacy by advocating for open conversations about substance abuse, particularly among young people who are increasingly using ketamine due to its low cost and accessibility.
Following James's death, the family has been actively working with a substance abuse charity, Adferiad, to combat the stigma surrounding addiction. Chanel believes that if there were less stigma, her brother might have sought the help he needed. The family is also campaigning for the reclassification of ketamine from a Class B to a Class A drug, aligning it with substances like heroin and cocaine. They argue that the current classification may mislead younger individuals into thinking it is less harmful. The UK government is currently reviewing this classification in light of rising ketamine use among youth. Chanel is determined to use her brother's story to help others avoid similar tragedies, stating that if her efforts can prevent even one family from experiencing their pain, it will have been worthwhile. The full interview with Chanel Williams is available on BBC Newsnight.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals the hidden struggles of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, with ketamine addiction and the impact of this revelation on his family. It emphasizes the importance of open discussions about substance abuse and the stigma surrounding addiction, particularly in the context of a public figure like The Vivienne. This story not only sheds light on personal tragedy but also aims to raise awareness about addiction and its consequences.
Family Dynamics and Secrecy
The report highlights the secrecy maintained by James regarding his addiction, which his sister Chanel claims was an attempt to protect the family. This raises questions about the communication within families dealing with addiction and the responsibility of loved ones to seek help for those struggling. Chanel's reflections suggest that more open conversations could potentially alter outcomes in similar situations.
Stigma Surrounding Addiction
Chanel Williams expresses concern about the stigma that often prevents individuals, particularly those in the public eye, from seeking help. The narrative suggests that the perceived success of The Vivienne made it difficult for him to acknowledge his struggles, which may resonate with many individuals who feel they cannot show vulnerability. This aspect of the story aims to encourage a broader dialogue about addiction and mental health.
Public Reaction and Societal Impact
The article could evoke a strong emotional response from the LGBTQ+ community and those affected by addiction, fostering support for advocacy efforts. By focusing on the tragic loss of a beloved public figure, the narrative seeks to mobilize people towards a more compassionate approach to addiction, potentially influencing public policy and community outreach initiatives.
Potential Manipulation and Reliability
While the article aims to inform and raise awareness, one might question whether it inadvertently sensationalizes addiction due to the circumstances of The Vivienne's fame. The language used is poignant and emotional, which may lead to a manipulative tone intended to evoke sympathy. However, the facts presented, including the family's statements and the cause of death, lend credibility to the story.
Connections to Broader Issues
This news piece intersects with ongoing discussions about drug use among young people, particularly concerning the accessibility of drugs like ketamine. It highlights not only the personal impact of addiction but also societal trends that could influence public health conversations and initiatives.
Possible Economic and Political Ramifications
The discussion surrounding addiction and its rising prevalence among youth may prompt policymakers to consider stricter regulations on drug accessibility. Additionally, advocacy efforts stemming from this article might lead to increased funding for mental health services and addiction recovery programs, potentially affecting the economy positively by addressing a public health crisis.
Community Engagement
The narrative appeals particularly to the LGBTQ+ community and supporters of substance abuse awareness, as it resonates with their experiences and challenges. The emphasis on breaking the stigma around addiction may encourage more individuals from various backgrounds to engage in these conversations.
Market Influence
While the direct impact of this news on stock markets might be minimal, companies involved in mental health services or rehabilitation programs may see increased interest or investment as public awareness of addiction issues grows.
Global Context and Relevance
The article aligns with contemporary discussions about mental health and addiction globally, reflecting a shift toward more open dialogues about these issues. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges individuals face in seeking help and the importance of community support.
In conclusion, the reliability of this article hinges on its factual basis and the sincerity of the family’s account. The narrative serves a dual purpose: to honor The Vivienne’s legacy while advocating for a more open discussion about addiction and its consequences.