Many of us enjoy watching reality TV, and one of those series that some have followed is Ru Paul’s Drag Race. It is a reality competition show in which contestants compete to be the next drag superstar in America. Unfortunately, we have sad news to report because one of the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race has passed away at the age of 44. Bianca Castro-Arabejo, affectionately known as Jiggly Calient was confirmed to have passed by her family.
The family went on Instagram to leave a statement. They wrote: “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.”
According to the statement, she was ‘surrounded by her loving family and close friends’ in the early hours of Sunday morning when she passed away. The family spoke highly of her ‘infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.’
They went on to say: “She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. “Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.” The reality show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, was a competition. Contestants would come on the show and try to get through different challenges in order to make it to the next level.
The popularity of the show even resulted in a number of spinoffs, including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked. After the news of her death came out, many came forward to pay tribute. This was not only true with fans, fellow drag queens also left tributes to the star. A drag queen from the sixth season in the US version of the show, Laganja Estranja said Caliente was known as a ‘kind, caring soul’. One contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Baga Chipz described Caliente as being ‘one of the kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met.’
The official account of RuPaul’s Drag Race has also paid tribute on X (Twitter). They wrote: “We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. “Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay – always. “We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”
Along with being on the reality show, she also appeared on episodes of Broad City and Search Party. In the TV drama Pose, she played the role of Veronica. Caliente came out in 2016 as transgender, saying: “Drag was the awakening for my transness.” The family said that the 44-year-old had lost most of her right leg due to a ‘severe infection’. May she rest in peace.