Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has leg amputated after serious health setback

Drag performer Jiggly Caliente has experienced a "serious health setback" that led to of her right leg, her family have announced this week. The news has been met with supportive messages from fans and celebrities.

The star, 44 - whose real name is Bianca Castro - is said to have been due to a "severe infection" before undergoing the "loss of most of her right leg". Her family have said that she's now recovering and invited fans to "uplift her" with messages of support.

Jiggly rose to fame on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which was broadcast in 2012. She later returned for the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2021 and, since 2022, she's been a judge on Drag Race Philippines.

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In a statement on her page, her family said: "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. Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg."

They added in the statement released today: "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 family concluded: "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."

The post on her page has attracted thousands of likes since it was uploaded this morning. Fans and fellow Drag Race stars reacted in the comments section with well wishes.

Manila Luzon wrote: "Praying for you, sister." Jujubee said: "I love you so much. Can't wait to see you again." Whilst Aja commented: "Sending you love and healing vibrations."

Asia O'Hara reacted: "Love you." Courtney Act said: "Love you, Jiggles." Trinity K. Bonet - who was on the same All Stars series as Jiggly - said: "All my love sis ... get well soon."

Drag Race judge Carson Kressley said: "Sending so much love your way - keeping you close to our hearts." Actor also responded to the post, with her writing: "Saying prayers for you! I'm so sorry you're going through this."

Jiggly is best known for having competed on RuPaul's Drag Race 2012, with her featuring in the same series as Latrice Royale and winner Sharon Needles. Almost a decade later, after announcing that she's a transgender, she returned for spin-off All Stars in 2021, which was won that year by Kylie Sonique Love.

More recently, she's been a judge on Drag Race Philippines, which launched in 2022. She returned for the second and third series of the show, which aired in 2023 and last year respectively.

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