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)
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)
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.”
The family of Virginia Giuffre have shared an update on her health in wake of the worrying statement she shared on social media.
The mother-of-three, 41, shared an Instagram post on Sunday (30 March) which stated that she was in ‘renal failure’ and had just ‘four days to live’.
She further explained that her car had been struck by a school bus which was travelling towards her at high speed, and had sustained injuries as a result of the incident.
“I’ve gone into kidney renal failure, they’ve given me four days to live, transferring me to a specialist hospital in urology,” Giuffre wrote. “I’m ready to go, just not until I see my babies one last time, but you know what they say about wishes. S**T in one hand and wish in the other & I guarantee it’s still going to be s**t at the end of the day.”
Giuffre, who has previously claimed she was sex trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein, also shared a shocking image of her in a hospital bed with severe bruising on her face.
Giuffre shared a worrying image of her in what appeared to be a hospital bed (Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)
Her publicist later told LADbible that she had been ‘in a serious accident’ and was continuing to ‘receive medical care in the hospital’, while Giuffre’s dad then spoke out about the concerning situation.
Western Australia Police in Perth, Australia, confirmed further details about the alleged collision, explaining that a school bus collided with a car on the afternoon of 24 March in the farming area of Neergabby.
A spokesperson from the police force said: “The collision was reported by the bus driver the following day. The car sustained $2000 worth of damage. There were no reported injuries as a result of the crash.”
Cops did not confirm whether Giuffre was involved in this specific incident, although authorities suggested that the crash was a ‘minor one’.
Giuffre’s family have now spoken out to offer more insight into the incident, as well as sharing further details of her current health.
The mum (pictured in 2020) stated that she had just ‘four days to live’ (Instagram/@virginiarobertsrising11)
In a statement shared with LADbible Group today (1 April), they said: “Virginia thanks everyone for the outpouring of love and support. She is overwhelmed with gratitude.
“Today she remains in serious condition while receiving medical care. On March 24, in rural Western Australia, a school bus hit the car in which she was riding.
“The police were called but said that there was no one available to come to the scene. They asked if anyone was injured and suggested that if they were, they should make their way to the hospital.
“The school bus driver had a bus full of distraught children and left the scene to get them back, saying he would file a police report, which he did later.
“Virginia was banged up and bruised and returned home. Virginia’s condition worsened and she was admitted to the hospital.
“Concerning her Instagram post, Virginia thought that she had posted on her private Facebook page. Virginia and her family thank everyone for their concern.”