Drag performer and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum Jiggly Caliente is stepping away from the stage after suffering a medical ordeal.
The Filipino American TV personality, whose real name is Bianca Castro, was forced to have her right leg amputated following a “severe” infection, Caliente’s family shared in an April 24 statement on her official Instagram page.
“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,” the statement read. “Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Caliente’s representatives for comment.
Caliente, 44, is most well known in the RuPaul universe for her appearance on “Drag Race” Season 4, where she came in eighth place. The drag queen, whose stage name takes inspiration from the Pokémon character Jigglypuff, also starred in the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” in 2021.
In recent years, Caliente has lent her drag expertise to the next generation of Filipino queens. She served as a judge on the first three seasons of “Drag Race Philippines,” an international spinoff that showcases drag artists from the Southeast Asian country.
As a result of her leg injury and “extensive” recovery process, Caliente will not be appearing on the show’s next season or participating in public engagements “for the foreseeable future,” Caliente’s family confirmed on Instagram.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together,” the statement concluded. “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.”
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ alumni show support for Jiggly Caliente
Several members of Caliente’s “Drag Race” family took to the comments section to share their well-wishes for the drag queen, including “RuPaul’s Drag Race” co-host Michelle Visage.
“We love you so much my sweet jiggles and we are praying with all we’ve got,” Visage wrote.
“Jiggly I love you so much,” Bob the Drag Queen wrote. “You always keep it so real. A true diva. Heal up sis.”
“There’s nothing I can say to ease your pain, your anxiety, your hurt, your sorrow. But I just had to message regardless and say I’m sorry this has happened to you,” Nina Bo’nina Brown wrote. “Hopefully overtime, time will heal your physical and mental wounds.”
“Praying for you, sister ❤️,” fellow Filipino drag queen Manila Luzon wrote.
“I love you immensely,” Peppermint wrote. “I’ll see you soon sister.”
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