RuPaul’s Drag Race and its production company, World of Wonder, have both issued statements following the death of season four star and Drag Race Philippines judge Jiggly Caliente.
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, best known as Jiggly Caliente, competitor on season four and All Stars 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and judge of Drag Race Philippines, passed away “peacefully” on 27 April, following a “severe infection” that led to the loss of her right leg.
A statement posted to the official RuPaul’s Drag Race social media pages has remembered the “talent, truth and impact” of the late trans icon, international star and St. Tropez connoisseur.
“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,” it read.
“We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”
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… pic.twitter.com/wkDXQKfwoy
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 27, 2025
In its own statement, World of Wonder – the production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race and its international spinoffs, owned by Drag Race creators Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey – described Jiggly’s passing as a “tremendous loss”.
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Bianca Castro, aka Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly’s humor, love, and light touched so many in the Drag Race family and beyond. Her legacy will continue to uplift the communities she advocated for.
“Our love and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Please give them the privacy and space to grieve this tremendous loss.”
The same statement was shared to the social media pages of Drag Race Philippines.
A statement shared by Jiggly’s family yesterday read that “Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
It continued, “A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”
Her followers were first notified of Jiggly’s “severe health setback” on 24 April, when her family shared a statement that the star has been hospitalised and suffered the “loss of most of her right leg” after a “severe infection.”
Jiggly has also continued to be remembered by her Drag Race sisters across the globe since her passing, in an outpouring of grief and love.
She first appeared on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012. She then returned for All Stars 6 in 2021, having coming out a trans woman in 2016.
She has also starred in Pose, and served as a judge on all three seasons of Drag Race Philippines since its first season in 2022.
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