Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has leg amputated after ‘serious’ health issue-Kitty Chrisp-Entertainment – Metro

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has lost her right leg after a ‘severe infection’ (Picture: Chelsea Guglielmino/WireImage)

Drag performer Jiggly Caliente has lost her right leg after a ‘serious health setback’ led to amputation.

The 44-year-old RuPaul’s Drag Race star – whose real name is Bianca Castro – suffered a ‘severe infection’ and her recovery will be ‘extensive’, her family announced in a social media statement.

‘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,’ they began.

‘Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalised and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.’

The Drag Race Philippines resident judge will not be appearing on the upcoming season, ‘nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future,’ the Pose star’s family said, adding: ‘Her recovery will be extensive.’

Jiggly competed in the fourth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 (Picture: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

‘At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together. 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.’

Jiggly was placed eighth on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 and appeared on All Stars season six in 2021, having come out as a trans woman in 2016.

Many members of the drag community showered Jiggly with love on the post, with Marina Summers commenting: ‘Sending all love to you and your family! We are here for youuu!’

Jujubee said: ‘I love you so much. Can’t wait to see you again.’

Manila Luzon added: ‘Praying for you, sister.’

Jiggly came out as a trans woman in 2016 (Picture: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Jiggly has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having spoken in Washington in June last year (Picture: Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn)

While it is not clear what caused Jiggly’s infection, she previously told Xtra in 2015 about a time two years prior that she was hospitalised.

‘I had a health scare two years ago and I ended up in the hospital, so ever since then my eating has changed,’ she said.

‘Now I love mashed potatoes, but I don’t necessarily eat them with fried chicken all the time anymore, you know?

‘It came to a point where I said, “I’m not the skinny, gorgeous girl. I’m the big gorgeous girl. Get it!” There’s a role for everybody and my role is the big, sexy girl.’

On her birthday in November, Jiggly celebrated another year ‘around the sun’.

‘Seems like a whole lifetime has passed. Another run around the sun. Here’s to making it to 44,’ she said.

‘My kind usually don’t make it passed 35. I’ve honestly lived a rollercoaster of a life. Good the bad everything has made me the woman I am today. Hopefully more to come.’

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