RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Bianca Castro has had her right leg amputated, following a ‘severe infection’.
The 43-year-old star, who rose to fame in 2011 and is known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, has been supported after her family, who revealed the news in a heartbreaking social media statement.
They shared on Instagram: ‘The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback.
‘Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.
‘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 continued: ‘At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together.
RuPaul ‘s Drag Race’s Bianca Castro has had her right leg amputated, following a ‘severe infection’
The 43-year-old star, who rose to fame in 2011 and is known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, has been supported after her family, who revealed the news in a heartbreaking social media statement
‘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.
‘Bianca’s family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers.’
Friends showed their support in the comment section, with Bianca Del Rio penning: ‘Sending all the love, Jiggles.’
JuJuBee added: ‘I love you so much. Can’t wait to see you again.’
Amy Doan wrote: ‘I’m so sorry you are going through this! But so glad you are alive. Sending all my love and wishing you a speedy recovery so I can see that beautiful face again’
Jiggly was announced to be one of thirteen contestants in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race on November 13, 2011.
Appearing in the iconic series, she placed eighth overall, being eliminated in a lip sync by seventh placer Willam.
Since the show, Jiggly has come out as a transgender woman, shed 50lbs, and gotten new teeth she wants to show off.
‘The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback’
In 2021, Jiggly was announced to be one of the 13 queens returning for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 6, but missed out on the crown and was eliminated in the second episode, placing twelfth overall
‘I’m going to be the shadiest one of the season, I can see it. No, no I am the shadiest, but I am not the villain,’ announced the 40-year-old Queens native aka Bianca Castro.
‘Definitely more glam than season four because I got the money now. She can afford nice things now. I don’t even need $100K [prize] I just need RuPaul to say, ‘Jiggly you are the winner. The whole shebang.”
In 2021, Jiggly was announced to be one of the 13 queens returning for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 6, but missed out on the crown and was eliminated in the second episode, placing twelfth overall.
The iconic queen is a main judge on Drag Race Philippines, which premiered in August 2022.
