• iconNews
  • videos
  • entertainment
  • Home
  • News
    • UK News
    • US News
    • Australia
    • Ireland
    • World News
    • Weird News
    • Viral News
    • Sport
    • Technology
    • Science
    • True Crime
    • Travel
  • Entertainment
    • Celebrity
    • TV & Film
    • Netflix
    • Music
    • Gaming
    • TikTok
  • LAD Originals
    • Say Maaate to a Mate
    • Daily Ladness
    • Lad Files
    • UOKM8?
    • FreeToBe
    • Extinct
    • Citizen Reef
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
Snapchat
TikTok
YouTube

LAD Entertainment

YouTube

LAD Stories

Submit Your Content
RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44 following 'severe infection' as family release statement

Home> Entertainment> Celebrity

Updated 12:34 27 Apr 2025 GMT+1Published 12:07 27 Apr 2025 GMT+1

breaking

RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44 following 'severe infection' as family release statement

The drag queen had to have her leg amputated earlier this week

Jess Battison

Jess Battison

RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44.

The US season four contestant, whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo, had become a permanent judge on RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines in 2022 and had a role in the hit LGBTQ+ show, Pose. She also made appearances on Broad City and Saturday Night Live.

Her family released a statement today (27 April,) after news she had suffered a 'severe infection.'

"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends," they wrote on Instagram.

"A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity."

She was a contestant on the 2012 series of the hit show. (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
She was a contestant on the 2012 series of the hit show. (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

They continued: "She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.

"Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.

"She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.

"In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arabejo (Jiggly Caliente). November 29, 1980 – April 27, 2025."

Earlier this week, the star had to have her right leg amputated after she 'experienced a serious health setback' over the last month.

Her family wrote on Instagram that she was 'hospitalised' due to a 'severe infection' and had undergone the loss of most of her right leg as a result.

"Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive," they explained.

She starred as Veronica Ferocity in Pose. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
She starred as Veronica Ferocity in Pose. (Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Writing on Instagram, they asked for her friends, fans and community to uplift Jiggly, while she 'concentrated on healing'.

"Bianca's family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers," the statement added.

Reacting to the announcement of her death, members of the drag community have paid tribute to Jiggly as Courtney Act wrote: "Love you, Jiggles."

Laganja Estranja commented: "So heartbreaking, such a kind, caring soul!! She will be greatly missed.”

Crystal Envy said: "My heart is shattered, you will forever be missed auntie."

And Divina De Campo added: "All my love to the family she was always such a supportive sister x."

Featured Image Credit: Santiago Felipe/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Topics: Celebrity, LGBTQ, Health, Instagram, TV and Film

Jess Battison
Jess Battison

Jess is a Senior Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include asking everyone in the office what they're having for tea, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021.

X

@jessbattison_

Choose your content:

4 hours ago
5 hours ago
6 hours ago
  • 4 hours ago

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's nicknames for each other explained as they reveal engagement in sweet post

    The music star left a few people confused after referring to herself and her new fiancé as school staff members

    Entertainment
  • 5 hours ago

    Bruce Willis' wife explains subtle symptoms that lead to star being diagnosed with dementia

    She said they noticed his change in behaviour

    Entertainment
  • 6 hours ago

    Lil Nas X breaks silence following arrest after being seen walking streets of LA naked

    The 'Montero' hitmaker shared a short video with fans about the 'terrifying' few days he has experienced

    Entertainment
  • 6 hours ago

    Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement

    Big news for the Swifties here

    Entertainment

    breaking

  • Virginia Giuffre’s family release statement after she was ‘given days to live’ following crash
  • Husband of Superman actor ‘likes’ brutal comment following wife’s kiss with co-star after director called cut
  • Virginia Giuffre's full family statement as Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein accuser dies by suicide aged 41
  • 90s Saved by the Bell star now has a very different career after playing Kelly Kapowski