According to an Instagram post that appears to have been written by her family, 14-year-old influencer and rapper Lil Tay has died. The sad news was shared on August 9, 2023. Variety reached out to her management company, which confirmed. Neither the Los Angeles Police Department nor the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner have a record of the death. People magazine was also unable to confirm the validity of the news, but reported on the announcement.
The same Instagram post that announced Lil Tay’s passing also announced the death of her brother, Jason Tian. A cause of death was not given for either as an investigation is said to be ongoing. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time.
Lil Tay was born Claire Eileen Qi Hope. “It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” the Instagram announcement began. “We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock.”
“Her brother’s passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief,” the statement continues. “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. Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her.”
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People reached out to Lil Tay's father, Christopher Hope. "I don't have any comment,” he responded. This could be because of the ongoing investigation.
Lil Tay rose to internet fame in 2018. The public was captivated and a bit shocked by a 9-year-old rapping in over-the-top videos using adult language to discuss luxury lifestyles. She was crowned the “youngest flexer of the century” and collaborated with rappers Chief Keef and XXXTentacion.
Her fame was not without controversy. She came under fire for using the "n-word." Many thought she appropriated hip-hop culture.
According to The Cut, Lil Tay was directed by her brother Jason, who was the mastermind behind her persona. Her mother, Angela Tian, also helped manage her career. The trio disrupted and perplexed the industry by “taking meetings and discussing deals without signing any contracts.”
Lil Tay has not been active on social media since 2018. This is perhaps because not long after her rise to fame, her parents fought a heated custody battle. The court granted her father Christopher full custody and Lil Tay moved back in with him in Vancouver, Canada.
It appears that Lil Tay was not pleased about this. “He just came back because he wants money,” she told The Daily Beast. It is unknown who had custody at the time of her death.
Christopher disputed his daughter’s claims. “Everyone else involved in this situation is motivated by money and the possibility of making money off of my daughter. I am not fighting about money; I am fighting for my daughter – for her happiness and her future,” he explained.
There will be almost certainly more to come from this ongoing news story.
