The family of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known professionally as Jiggly Caliente who appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race, has shed light on the drag queen’s possible cause of death, revealing that she was hospitalized with an infection just days prior.
The Philippines-born performer died on Sunday at the age of 44.
The Context
Castro-Arabejo rose to fame on Season 4 of the hit reality television show RuPaul’s Drag Race. She later appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021 and was a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.
The reality television star made a name for herself on various television series too, with roles in Broad City, Pose, Wigs in a Blanket and more.
Castro-Arabejo publicly came out as a transgender woman in 2016.
“I wanted to make sure that if I was going to come out as a trans woman, I wanted to do it right, and I didn’t want it to be about Drag Race,” she said in a 2018 interview with Billboard.
She continued: “I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that. I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn’t want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me, and I didn’t want me being a trans woman have anything to do with the show. I always wanted to keep my personal life and my work life separate.”
Santiago Felipe/Getty Images
What To Know
On Sunday, Castro-Arabejo’s family announced her death in a statement shared on her official Instagram account, after previously revealing she had “experienced a serious health setback.”
“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends,” the statement read.
“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”
The note concluded: “Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.”
On April 24, Castro-Arabejo’s family shared with fans via Instagram that she was “hospitalized” with a “severe infection” and lost “most of her right leg” as a result.
“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.”
“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.”
What People Are Saying
Following Castro-Arabejo’s death, RuPaul’s Drag Race wrote on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram: “We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always. We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”
Drag Race Season 14 contestant June Jambalaya posted several photos via Instagram: “I’ve tried to find the right words so many times, but nothing ever felt enough. So I decided to just be honest. Jiggly wasn’t just my drag mother she was my safe place, my human diary, my compass when I was lost. There were so many moments I came to her broken, defeated by the business I love so much, a business that I felt didn’t always love me back. And every time, she reminded me of my worth: how beautiful, how talented I was, how my gift could never be measured by a placement on a show. She showed me that beating the odds was possible because she had, and she believed I could too, even when I couldn’t see it for myself.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared a sweet tribute on Instagram: “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 @jigglycalienteofficial.”
Drag Race France host Nicky Doll said on Instagram: “I will miss our rotted, rotted, phone conversations cackling like hyenas about random stuff. Thank you for being one of the first ones to call when you heard the news about Drag Race France and to always have the biggest smile on your face when we saw each other. Waking up to this isn’t easy but it shows how much you’ve touched so many people. You were a girl’s girl. We love you Bianca.”
Drag Race Season 10 star Kameron Michaels posted via Instagram: “I’m not the easiest egg to crack, but some of the girls were determined to get to know the real me and @jigglycalienteofficial was one of them. We only worked together for one tour, but she has been in my DMs since day one cheering me on.”