Jiggly Caliente’s leg amputated, queen exits ‘Drag Race Philippines’ after ‘serious infection’

RuPaul’s Drag Race season 4 icon and Pose actress Jiggly Caliente‘s leg was amputated after the drag entertainer “experienced a serious health setback” over the past month, her family has announced.

In a social media statement shared early Thursday, Jiggly’s family — while using her real name, Bianca Castro — told fans that “due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized” and endured “the loss of most of her right leg” as a result.

“Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future,” the family continued, adding that “her recovery will be extensive.”

The family asked fans for privacy, indicating that Jiggly, 44, will concentrate “on healing” and encouraging them to “uplift her with messages of hope and love on her social media channels” as she recovers.

“Bianca’s family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers,” the statement finished.

Entertainment Weekly has reached out to representatives for Jiggly and Drag Race Philippines production company World of Wonder for comment.

After becoming a fan-favorite queen over the years thanks to several memorable looks and quotes on Drag Race season 4 (including her legendary “baked potato” postapocalyptic couture outfit), Jiggly, who came out as trans in 2016, additionally landed a guest spot in a 2018 Saturday Night Live sketch. 

She later remained in the global Drag Race family after becoming a permanent judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2022 — news that EW exclusively reported at the time.

Jiggly returned to the Drag Race competition as a contestant on All Stars 6 in 2021, on which she was eliminated second.

In her All Stars 6 exit interview, Jiggly told EW that she had her sights set on Hollywood after securing a small role on FX’s Pose.

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“I want to earn my place as an actress in this industry, so if I have to audition my way, I’ll continue to do that. If it’s a call, sure. I won’t turn that down, but I want to earn it. I want to be known as a legitimate actress,” she said at the time. “I want to pursue that more. Not just Ryan Murphy, I want to be in a Marvel movie!”

To date, Drag Race Philippines has aired three seasons, all of which Jiggly has judged. Season 4 is set to premiere in the future.