A star from RuPaul’s Drag Race has had her leg amputated due to a “serious infection”, her family revealed in a statement.
Jiggly Caliente, a 43-year-old drag star and judge on Drag Race Philippines, has been hospitalized and is now beginning what will be an “extensive” recovery.
The heartbreaking news was shared via a statement from her family on Instagram.
“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 message began.
“Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.”
With this sudden turn of events, Jiggly will no longer appear in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines and has pulled out of all public engagements for the foreseeable future.
“Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive.”
Her loved ones are now asking for privacy and compassion from fans as Jiggly navigates this deeply personal and painful chapter.
“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.”
And that support is already pouring in.
“Sending all the love, Jiggles,” commented fellow Drag Race alum Bianca Del Rio.
“I love you so much. Can’t wait to see you again,” added JuJuBee.
Beauty icon Amy Doan shared: “I’m so sorry you are going through this! But so glad you are alive. Sending all my love and wishing you a speedy recovery so I can see that beautiful face again.”
Jiggly Caliente first burst onto the scene as one of the standout contestants on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, which premiered on November 13, 2011. She made it to the top eight before being eliminated in a now-iconic lip sync battle with Willam.
Since her time on the show, Jiggly has shared her journey of self-discovery, coming out as a transgender woman, undergoing a major body transformation – including shedding 50lbs – and even getting a brand-new smile, per the Daily Mail.
“I’m going to be the shadiest one of the season, I can see it. No, no I am the shadiest, but I am not the villain,” she once declared in her signature sass. “Definitely more glam than season four because I got the money now. She can afford nice things now. I don’t even need $100K [prize] I just need RuPaul to say, ‘Jiggly you are the winner. The whole shebang.’”
In 2021, she returned for RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 6, but was eliminated in the second episode, placing twelfth overall.
She later landed a major role as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, which first aired in August 2022 and cemented her status as a global Drag Race royalty.