RuPaul's Drag Race star suffers 'leg amputation' after 'severe infection' hospitalised them

Jiggly Caliente's family updated friends and fans of the star with a statement

Ru Paul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente was hospitalised after suffering from a "severe infection" and has since had to have part of her right leg amputated.

The 43-year-old performer is best known for appearing in series four of the US version of Ru Paul's Drag Race. She placed eighth in the competition after being eliminated in a lip sync battle. She later competed on series six of the All Stars spin-off and placed 12th.

Back in 2022, Jiggly (known as real name Bianca Castro) announced that she would be judging Drag Race Philippines, and before this she released her debut album titled T.H.O.T Process that featured RuPaul.

The star is also a successful actress and appeared in hit LGBT+ drama Pose appeared in hit LGBT+ drama Pose as the recurring role of Veronica Ferocity.

Jiggly came out as Transgender in 2016, following in the footsteps of previous contestants Kylie Sonique Love, Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels and Monica Beverly Hillz.

Sadly, her family recently announced that she will be unable to judge series 9 of Drag Race Philippines due to her "long recovery" process.

Taking to Jiggly's Instagram on Thursday (24th April), her family posted a block of text that read: "Private Statement from the Family of Bianca Castro (Jiggly Caliente):

"The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the lastmonth 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.

"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.

"Bianca's family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers."

Her fellow Drag Race contestants flocked to the comments to share their support, with series eight winner Bob The Drag Queen commenting: "Jiggly I love you so much. You always keep it so real. A true diva. Heal up sis."

Series nine winner Sasha Velour added: "Sending you so much love" as well as series 12 contestant Brita Filter who wrote: "I love you so much, sis. If you need anything—and I mean anything—you know exactly how to get a hold of this b****.

"Even if it’s just a Jollibee run, or if you need to cuss someone out, I got you. Sending you all the healing vibes in the world. You are one strong, powerful woman—and you’ve absolutely got this.