Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies at 43

Metro Manila, Philippines -  Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente, also known as Bianca Castro-Arebejo, has died. She was 43.

In a statement released Saturday, April 27, Caliente’s family said she died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

“Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light,” the family said.

Caliente, a beloved figure in the drag and LGBTQ+ community, had recently faced serious health challenges. Just days before her death, her family announced that she had lost “most of her right leg” due to a severe infection.

Following the “serious health setback,” her family said Caliente would not be appearing in the upcoming season of Drag Race Philippines, where she served as one of the main judges.

They also said she would be stepping back from all public engagements to focus on her recovery.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together,” the family wrote on April 24.

“While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her friends, fans, and community to uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels.”

Known for her fierce wit, powerful performances Caliente first rose to prominence as a contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, later returning for All Stars Season 6.

Caliente then became one of the judges of the Philippine edition of the franchise, judging alongside Paolo Ballesteros and Jervi Wrightson, also known as Kaladkaren, from Season 1 to 3.