Bianca Castro-Arebejo, the daughter of Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente, who was also known as Baga Chipz, and Michelle Visage and other celebrities who have written emotional tributes to the late singer, passed away this morning at the age of 44.
Singer Michelle Visage has joined a host of other celebrities from across the world in mourning the loss of RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly’s family confirmed that she died early this morning at the age of just 44, days after surgery to amputate her right leg due to a severe infection.
Jiggly, who was also a judge on Drag Race Philippines, stepped back from the spotlight while trying to recover from the surgery, with a family statement announcing. The family statement said at the time: “She will not be appearing on the upcoming season, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive.”
The performer’s family announced the amputation of “most” of her leg on April 24 and the patient was taken to the hospital as a result of the infection. Their next update, which was traditionally written as “Jiggly Caliente,” was on April 27 and contained a notice of her passing. At 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends, Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025.
Jiggly has now been remembered by countless fans and friends, after she rose to fame on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was broadcast in 2012. The TV star went on to perform with Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, appear on Saturday Night Live, and even score acting roles in the shows Broad City and Pose.
Michelle Visage has shared a photo of herself and Jiggly on Instagram, showing the duo fully made up while Bianca smiled widely at the camera. Michelle wrote alongside the shot: “My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high… I love you so much honey.”
The Drag Race judge isn’t the only celeb to mark the loss of Jiggly, with drag queen and actor Bianca Del Rio, who won the sixth series of the US competition, writing on the platform: “Rest well, my good time gal @jiggly_official. Thank you for 20 years of laughter and friendship.”
Jiggly as Phi Phi O’Hara, who also appeared on the same series as Jaremi Carey, said, “The pain I’ve felt is something I’ve ever felt before,” adding that he “rushed to hospital to hold my best friend’s hand one last time as I wish her on her way to a place where she is no longer in pain.” The drag queen added that the death had “broken and crushed” him and that he is now “moving away from drag.”
Carey continued, “I hope you know how loved I am by the people you left behind.” You have fought your entire life, and you will always be remembered for living truthfully and authentically. You were my best friend, my sister, and my family, and some people knew you as the superstar Jiggly Caliente, others as Bianca Castro.
Other members of the tight-knit Drag Race family shared their affection for Jiggly, with Mystique Summers Madison saying, “Today we lost a true star. You were a fierce light in this world, Jiggly. I appreciate your chuckles and quarrels! We will all have a memory for you. Sis, it’s easy.
British drag icon Baga Chipz also shared some moving words, describing Jiggly as “one of the most kindest, sweetest souls.”
The beauty of the Drag Race UK singer said, “I’m going to miss you. I appreciate your kindness always. Legend, rest easy. Currently, you’re sending your family so much love.
Source: Mirror
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