RuPaul’s Drag Race and Pose star dies aged 44

Drag star Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who performed as Jiggly Caliente, has died aged 44, her family has said.

The performer, who found fame on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, had part of her leg amputated on Thursday after suffering a “severe infection”.

Caliente had served as a judge on the show’s Philippines spin-off, and also appeared in the hit US TV series Pose.

Her family wrote in a statement on Instagram: “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.”

They said she died in the early hours of Sunday morning “surrounded by her loving family and close friends”.

Caliente’s family paid tribute to her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity”, adding that she left a legacy of “love, courage and light”.

“She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world,” they said.

“Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”

Fellow drag queens have left tributes to the Filipino-American performer online.

Laganja Estranja, who appeared on the sixth season of the US reality TV programme, said Caliente was a “kind, caring soul”.

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz described Caliente as “one of the kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met”.

Cheryl The Queen, who also competed in the UK version of the show, wrote: “We will love you forever and always Jiggly.”