‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ Winner The Vivienne Assaulted in England

June 20, 2023
TOMMY

The Vivienne, who rose to international fame when she won the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and later competed in Season 7 of Drag Race All Stars, was attacked in a McDonald's in Liverpool, England last week, in a stark reminder to always have our wits about us now more than ever.

"Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way," The Vivienne tweeted. While in the Mcdonald's, it seems a man approached The Viv, shouted homophobic slurs her way, and then punched the performer in the jaw.

Just been attacked in McDonald’s, Police on way. 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. #pieceofshit
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023

The Liverpool Police Dept. released a statement confirming as much, and from all accounts, they were helpful in working with The Vivienne to make sure the assailant came to justice, which he did. "He’s been arrested and in custody." The Vivienne said in a follow-up Tweet. She also added the reminder that it's imperative that our community reports attacks like these. Even though the LGBTQ+ community and the police don't have the best of histories, it's important to fight for what we deserve, which in this case is justice and the right to exist safely!

He’s been arrested and in custody. Result, 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!
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023

When the incident first happened, The Viv noted that he didn't fight back because he didn't want to cause an even bigger scene in the McDonald's and didn't want to fight in front of children. "I'm not gonna punch somebody in front of kids," they wrote. And when the dust had settled, the drag star still clearly kept her look together, because two old women apparently complimented her fabulous hair and told her how lovely she was that day.

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
— TheVivienne (@THEVIVIENNEUK) June 16, 2023

And for those wondering, The Vivienne confirmed that the staff at the McDonald's where the assault happened handled the entire situation perfectly. They kicked out the assailant immediately and made sure The Vivienne was okay and cared for as they waited for the police to arrive.

It's a shame this happened at all, but a particularly terrible occurrence during Pride Month. We're glad The Viv is doing okay and on the mend, and we're sending all our love her way! Stay strong as a community, and make sure you support your Queer family!