Lil Tay, whose real name is Claire Eileen Qi Hope, is a 14-year-old rapper and social media personality from Canada. She rose to fame in 2018 for her controversial videos, where she would flaunt her wealth, use profanity, and diss other celebrities. She claimed to be the “youngest flexer of the century” and boasted about her cars, mansions, and money.
However, her online persona was later exposed as a fraud, as it was revealed that she was using her mother’s boss’s property and car without his permission. Her mother, Angela Tian, was fired from her job as a real estate agent for her involvement in Lil Tay’s antics. Lil Tay also faced legal issues with her estranged father, Christopher Hope, who sought custody of her and tried to stop her from posting online.
Lil Tay has been largely inactive on social media since 2018, except for a few sporadic posts that hinted at her personal struggles and upcoming projects.
What happened to Lil Tay?
On Wednesday, August 10, 2023, a shocking post appeared on Lil Tay’s verified Instagram account, announcing her death and that of her brother. The post read:
It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock.
We also regret to inform you that our beloved son and brother has also passed away. He was Claire’s best friend and protector. They were inseparable and loved each other more than anything.
We ask for privacy and respect during this difficult time. We appreciate all the love and support you have shown us over the years. Please keep us in your prayers.
The post did not provide any details on the date, cause, or circumstances of their deaths. It also did not identify Lil Tay’s brother by name.
The post quickly went viral, attracting thousands of comments from fans and celebrities who expressed their condolences and disbelief. Some of Lil Tay’s friends, such as rapper Bhad Bhabie and influencer Woah Vicky, also posted tributes to her on their own accounts.
However, the post also raised suspicions among some observers, who questioned its authenticity and motive. Some pointed out the grammatical errors and inconsistencies in the post, while others speculated that it was a publicity stunt or a prank.
How did Lil Tay respond?
A day after the death announcement, Lil Tay broke her silence and issued a statement to TMZ, denying the rumors and claiming that her Instagram account was hacked by a third party. She said:
I want to make it clear that my brother and I are safe and alive, but I’m completely heartbroken, and struggling to even find the right words to say. It’s been a very traumatizing 24 hours.
Someone hacked my Instagram account yesterday morning and posted jarring misinformation about me and my brother’s death. I don’t know who did this or why they would do something so cruel and hurtful to me and my family.
I’m so sorry for anyone who was worried or scared by this sick hoax. I appreciate all the love and support you have shown me over the years. I love you all so much.
Lil Tay also told TMZ that she has regained control of her account and deleted the fake post. She said she is working with Instagram to find out who was behind the hack and take legal action against them.
She also thanked her fans for their loyalty and asked them to respect her privacy as she deals with the aftermath of the incident.
What did Lil Tay’s family and former manager say?
Lil Tay’s father, Christopher Hope, who has been estranged from her since 2018, told Insider that he could not comment on the Instagram post and declined to confirm or deny his daughter’s death. He said he had not spoken to Lil Tay or her mother in over two years.
Lil Tay’s mother, Angela Tian, who used to manage her career, also remained silent on the matter. Her lawyer, Fraser MacLean, told People magazine that they had no comment at this time due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Lil Tay’s former manager, Harry Tsang, who worked with her in 2018 before parting ways due to creative differences, cast doubt on Lil Tay’s claim that her Instagram account was hacked. He told Fox News that he believed the reported hacking incident may not have occurred. He said:
I have reason to believe that this may have been an orchestrated stunt by Claire (Lil Tay) herself or someone close to her for reasons unknown at this time.
Based on my experience working with Claire in 2018 as well as recent events involving Claire’s social media accounts being deactivated then reactivated shortly after with cryptic messages being posted then deleted shortly after, I have reason to believe that this may have been a publicity stunt to generate attention and buzz for a potential comeback or new project.
I have not been in contact with Claire or her family for over two years and I do not know what their current situation or intentions are. However, I hope that Claire is doing well and that she is getting the help and support that she needs.
What is the reaction of the public?
The news of Lil Tay’s alleged death and subsequent denial has sparked mixed reactions from the public. While some fans are relieved and happy that she is alive and well, others are angry and disappointed that she or someone close to her may have lied about such a serious matter.
Some fans expressed their support and sympathy for Lil Tay, saying that they hope she is OK and that they understand the pressure and challenges she faces as a young star. They also praised her for her talent and courage, and said they look forward to her future projects.
However, some critics accused Lil Tay and her family of faking her death for clout and attention, saying that it was a disrespectful and insensitive move. They also questioned her credibility and integrity, and said they lost respect for her. They also called for an investigation into the incident and demanded an apology from Lil Tay and her family.