'Drag Race' Winner The Vivienne Attacked by Homophobe in McDonald’s

The Vivienne, the drag queen who won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. in 2019, has revealed that she was a victim of a homophobic attack at a McDonald’s in the U.K. on Friday.

The performer wrote, “Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way.”

She added, “Homophobia alive and well folks! First time I’ve never retaliated in a fight because I’m not gonna punch somebody in front of kids and women.”

The drag artist, known as James Lee Williams outside of drag, thanked people online for their support and said the police were wonderful to her.

The Vivienne wrote, “Two lovely ladies just came and complimented my hair and said I look lovely, what a stark contrast of people we have on this planet! All in a day huh? A punch and a compliment.”

She said the McDonald’s staff at the Liverpool Edge Lane location had been supportive and that they “acted fast and removed the idiot from the premises and did everything in their power to make sure I was OK and waited for police with me.”

In a follow-up tweet, she explained that her attacker had been arrested.

“It’s so important that as a community we report and take action on hate crimes. Otherwise it continues to happen. Time to set an example!”

The Vivienne added that not everyone can handle such attacks or incidents.

"I’m a tough cookie, I’m on with my day, punch to the face or not. Not everybody is as big/strong/tall as me. I [fear] for the other that aren’t able to handle themselves and shouldn’t have to," she wrote.

Drag Race notables came to The Vivienne’s timeline to offer encouragement.

Shea Couleé wrote, “I’m so sorry this happned to you. Hope you’re alright!”

Since winning Drag Race U.K., The Vivienne has appeared on the show This Is Going to Hurt and came in third in the recent season of Dancing on Ice.