Dancing on Ice Tribute to The Vivienne Faces Backlash from Viewers Who Demand More Respect for the Late Performer in London

The launch show of Dancing on Ice on Sunday opened with a tribute to former contestant The Vivienne, following their tragic passing on January 5 at just 32 years old.

The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, who reached the final of the ITV skating competition in 2023, was remembered by hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern.

However, many viewers were unimpressed by the tribute.

Viewer Reactions: Criticism Over the Tribute’s Execution

Holly expressed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the show, stating, “Before we move on, like us, many of you have been saddened by the tragedy of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.

They were a huge part of the show, making it all the way to the final in 2023, and they’ll be sorely missed.

Our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this sad time.”

Yet, the tribute left fans feeling cold.

Many took to social media, criticizing the brief mention and lack of video clips or a dance routine in memory of The Vivienne.

One user wrote, “I thought they might’ve shown some of The Vivienne’s dances or done more to pay homage,” while another described the tribute as “nauseating” and “fake.”

There was a clear sense that fans felt the tribute lacked genuine care.

RuPaul Pays His Respects at DragCon UK

Amid the controversy, RuPaul, who discovered The Vivienne on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, made his first public statement since the news of the performer’s death.

Attending DragCon UK in London on Friday, RuPaul, alongside his friend Michelle Visage, spoke with visible emotion.

“We are here to celebrate life and love,” he told the crowd, emphasizing that The Vivienne’s legacy was all about spreading love and fun.

A memorial wall and books were set up for fans to honor the late star, known for winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Tyra Sanchez’s Controversial Comments Stir Online Fury

As tributes poured in, Tyra Sanchez, another Drag Race alum, caused outrage with a callous tweet following The Vivienne’s passing.

Sanchez reposted an old tweet from The Vivienne, mocking her former rival, and responded with an insensitive jibe about The Vivienne’s death.

Fans were quick to react, accusing Sanchez of being “disgusting” and “twisted.”

In defiance, Sanchez doubled down on her controversial post, claiming the attention it garnered was what she “desperately needed.”

Her actions continued to spark fury online, with social media users expressing their disgust over her behavior.

A Stark Contrast: Fans Demand More Respect for The Vivienne

While Dancing on Ice’s tribute fell short for many, the outpouring of grief and support for The Vivienne from fans and colleagues alike highlighted the deep impact the performer had on the drag community.

With a memorial at DragCon and ongoing tributes, it’s clear that The Vivienne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and admired them.