‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star Jiggly Caliente dies after ‘severe infection’ – National

Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, also known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on RuPaul’s Drag Race, passed away at the age of 44 on Sunday. This occurred just days after her family had reported her hospitalization due to a severe infection.

Castro-Arabejo, who had become a judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2022, had to cancel her appearance on the upcoming season following a recent hospitalization for a serious infection and subsequent leg amputation surgery, as per a statement released by her family on her Instagram page.

She passed away early on Sunday, according to another statement from her family.

“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” her family expressed on Sunday. “She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”

Castro-Arabejo had competed on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and later on RuPaul’s Drag Race Allstars.

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“Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,” a statement from RuPaul’s Drag Race posted on X read. “We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”

Originally from the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She began her career in drag about 20 years ago, participating in competitions and pageants. She highlighted the influence of her upbringing in her work and emphasized its significance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album titled T.H.O.T. Process, featuring a track where she raps in Tagalog.

During an episode of the reality show Bring Back My Girls in 2023, which reunites various performers from the Drag Race franchise, Castro-Arabejo mentioned that her role as a judge was significant because of her heritage.

“When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,” she stated. “I am a proud immigrant woman.”

She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly due to receiving letters from fans who were grappling with their own gender identities.

“I decided to come out because I was ready. I had been living as a trans woman for so long, but I never shared that with the audience and fans,” she explained in a 2018 Billboard interview. “I was actually transitioning while on the show, but I chose not to discuss it. I didn’t want it to be my storyline because being a trans woman is not what defines me.”

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