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Jiggly Caliente had suffered a great health and personal setback.
Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 4 participant – whose real name is Bianca Castro – had her legs amputated after she “experienced a serious health setback,” her family confirmed on social media this weekend.
Update: Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44.
“It is with a deep grief that we advertise Bianca Castro-Areejo, who is known to the world and loved by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca died peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 04.42, surrounded by her loving family and close friends,” A social media message read early Sunday. “
Update 2: This message continued:
She touched countless life through her artistry, activism and the real connection she struggled with fans all over the world. Her heritage is one of love, courage and light.
Although her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped to create for so many will remain forever. She will be deeply missed, always loved and eternally remembered.
Back to our original post:
“Due to a serious infection, she was admitted to the hospital and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg,” the reality star’s loved ones wrote in a statement of Instagram 24 April. “Her recovery will be extensive.”
The message continued to say that Caliente, who was actually becoming a permanent judge on Rupaul’s Drag Race Philippines in 2022, will not Return to the upcoming season, “Nor will she participate in any public engagements in the foreseeable future.”
We can definitely understand why.
“At this point, we kindly ask for the privacy of Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together,” the statement continued.
“Bianca’s family and wooden house are deeply grateful for the continued outflow of support, strength and prayers.”
Finally, the note requested the following:
“While Jiggly concentrates on healing, we invite her friends, fans and communities to lift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels.”
As you might imagine, other drag race-alums and well-known named shared an outflow of support after learning this truly unfortunate news.
For example, Season 8 Master Bob The Drag Queen wrote, online:
“Jiggly I love you so much. You always keep it so real. A real diva. Healed sis.”
Elsewhere, Ginger Minj wrote: “I love you more than words can say.”
“You’re always on my mind,” said Season 7-Runner-Up too. “I’ll send you all the good thoughts in the world!”
Caliente finished in eighth place at Rupaul’s Drag Race in 2012.
She was first chosen as judge of the Philippine franchise of the series after returning to the spin-off series All Stars in 2021 in a butterfly lining look.
“It got so big,” Jiggly Caliente told gay times in 2022.
“I just felt like I didn’t show much of my Philippine side on the season because I was only in two episodes! I didn’t get rock what I really wanted to wear, so when it came to promo, I would have some of the Philippines with me.”
Our thoughts go out to those who knew and loved Jiggly Caliente. May she rest in peace.