Lil Tay, a teen rapper and social media star who rose to fame in 2018 for her controversial videos, has died at the age of 14. Her family announced her death on her verified Instagram account on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
The statement shared to her 3.3 million followers said, “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.”
Lil Tay, whose real name was Claire Hope, was born in Canada and moved to Los Angeles in 2018 to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. She was known for posting sensationalized videos on Instagram of herself rapping and using many expletives about living a lavish lifestyle. She called herself the “youngest flexer of the century” and claimed to have millions of dollars, luxury cars, and mansions.
Lil Tay’s brother also dies; cause of death under investigation
The statement on Lil Tay’s Instagram also revealed that her brother, Jason Tian, also died. The cause of death for both siblings is “still under investigation,” according to the statement.
“Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief,” the statement continued. “During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss, as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother’s passing are still under investigation.”
Lil Tay’s brother Jason was reportedly behind much of her social media presence and helped her create her viral videos. He was 16 years old when he started managing his sister’s career in 2018.
Lil Tay faced controversy and criticism for her videos
Lil Tay’s videos, which often featured her with rappers like Chief Keef and XXXTentacion, sparked controversy and criticism for appropriating hip-hop culture and using the N-word. She also faced accusations of faking her wealth and exploiting her young age for fame.
In a 2018 interview with Nightline, Lil Tay defended her videos and said they were “all me.” Her mother, Angela Tian, who was fired from her real estate job for using her boss’s car in one of Lil Tay’s videos, also supported her daughter’s career and said she was “a good girl.”
However, later that year, Lil Tay became embroiled in a custody battle between her parents Angela Tian and Christopher Hope. She was ordered by the court to return to Vancouver and live with her father. Her social media accounts were deleted or made private, and she stopped posting new content.
Lil Tay paid tribute to XXXTentacion before her death
The last post on Lil Tay’s Instagram was a tribute to the late rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot and killed in Florida on June 18, 2018. He was 20 years old.
Lil Tay shared a screenshot of herself Facetiming with XXXTentacion and wrote, “X you truly changed me. You were there for me when everyone wanted me to fail, you were there to give me advice, you were there. As a father figure, when I don’t have one, you were here, FaceTiming me and calling me for hours when I’m down.”
She also mentioned that they were planning to throw a charity event together. “This isn’t good Bye I Love you Bro,” she concluded.
Lil Tay’s death has shocked many fans and celebrities who expressed their condolences and sadness on social media. Some of them include Bhad Bhabie, Jake Paul, Trippie Redd, Lil Pump, and DJ Akademiks.
