RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has died on the age of 44 after a “extreme an infection” that led to the amputation of her proper leg.
The household of the drag queen, whose actual title was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, confirmed the information on Instagram on Sunday (April 27), writing: “It’s with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, identified to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente.”
“Bianca handed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42am, surrounded by her loving household and shut pals,” they added.
“A luminous presence within the worlds of leisure and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious vitality, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched numerous lives by means of her artistry, activism and the real connection she fostered with followers around the globe.”
They added: “Her legacy is certainly one of love, braveness and lightweight. Although her bodily presence is gone, the enjoyment she shared and the house she helped create for thus many will stay without end. She shall be deeply missed, at all times liked, and eternally remembered.”
On Thursday (April 24), Caliente’s household introduced that she had suffered a “severe well being setback” that had led to the leg amputation. She had been handled for a “extreme an infection” in hospital.
She was born in San Pedro within the Philippines in 1980 and moved to the US along with her mom and brother aged 10, settling in Queens, New York.
Caliente was a contestant on the fourth season of the US model of Drag Race, and after popping out as transgender in 2016, she appeared within the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021.
Amongst these to pay tribute are UK drag star Baga Chipz, who stated: “Probably the most kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met. I’m gonna miss you stunning. Thanks for at all times being so beautiful. Relaxation straightforward legend. Sending your loved ones a lot love proper now.”
In 2018, Caliente additionally launched a hip-hop album ‘T.H.O.T.’, that includes contributions from a number of different Drag Race alumni. “I thought of it and was like, ‘You realize what? Let me get my second. Let me get my Janet Jackson second, do some songs, and see the way it goes,’ she stated in regards to the document. “And it turned out nice. I needed to make songs that have been true to me and true to who I’m. I took this album severely as a result of I would like individuals to know that I do have a voice.”
