LIL Tay's supposed death has shocked the internet as questions about how she and her brother died continue to mount.
The teenage influencer and rapper, whose real name was Claire Hope, rose to fame in 2017.
A statement was posted to her Instagram page on Wednesday saying that both she and her brother had died, reading: "We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
Internet star Woah Vicky posted a tribute on Instagram in response to the news. She shared a photo of her and Lil Tay together and captioned the post: “RIP Lil Tay.”
Woah Vicky said she no longer knows what to believe and called the events of the last 24 hours "kind of weird," and added: " "I don't know if it's true or not, I haven't spoken with her in years but it's very sad if it is true. But I think it's kind of weird how all of a sudden that her brother and her pass away. I don't know, but the text on Instagram doesn't really seem real.
Lil Tay's former managers say they have questions about the "strange" statement and are working to verify its legitimacy.
And the teen's dad refused to confirm or deny whether Lil Tay and her brother died in an exclusive conversation with The U.S. Sun.
Follow our Lil Tay death updates blog for news and updates…
- By Amanda Castro
Woah Vicky has doubts, continued
Vicky called the lack of clarity and answers surrounding Tay's supposed death frustrating but added that "God knows what is true" and the truth should soon prevail.
She said she hasn't seen or spoken with Tay since she vanished from social media in 2018 and hasn't had any direct contact with her family since the news of her apparent death broke.
Vicky said when she knew the teen star she was a sweet and talented girl who loved ballet and eating ice cream.
"I just don't know what to believe," added Vicky.
- By Amanda Castro
Woah Vicky has doubts
Woah Vicky, a friend of Lil Tay, said she no longer knows what to believe and called the events of the last 24 hours "kind of weird."
The controversial social media star explained: "I don't know if it's true or not, I haven't spoken with her in years but it's very sad if it is true.
"But I think it's kind of weird how all of a sudden that her brother and her pass away. I don't know, but the text on Instagram doesn't really seem real.
"I mean, we haven't seen her on Instagram [since 2018], we haven't seen anyone that has taken a picture with her – you know how celebrities will sometimes get spotted and get asked for a picture – and we haven't seen none of that for years, but then all of a sudden, 'Oh, her and her brother are dead,' that just doesn't seem right."
- By Amanda Castro
More on Tay's brother
Tay’s success has largely been credited to her older brother, Jason Tian.
Jason was accused in 2019 of exploiting his sister by forcing her to perform in the videos and coaching her on what to say.
It is unclear if Jason is the brother the statement claims also died.
- By Amanda Castro
Meet Lil Tay’s brother
Jason Tian is arguably best known as Lil Tay’s brother.
Before his sister, whose real name was Claire Hope, rose to fame, he tried to make it as a rapper himself under the stage name Rycie; however, his career was ultimately a bust.
During the height of Lil Tay’s fame, he was accused of coaching his sister and creating her online personality.
YouTuber NessGod posted a since-deleted video claiming that Tian invented his younger sister’s loud-mouth personality after he did not find fame himself.
The allegations were made after a video of Tian telling Lil Tay what to say and how to act went viral back in 2018.
At this time additional details on Tian’s personal life are unclear because he often stays out of the spotlight.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
THE MASTERMIND What to know about Lil Tay’s brother, Jason Tian
- By Amanda Castro
Lil Tay on her family's situation
Harry Tsang, another former rep for Tay, told The Daily Beast the allegations regarding her safety were fabricated.
In a phone interview with the outlet, Tay, speaking alongside her mom, said, “Right now I’m in a bad situation and I don’t want to talk about these things,” adding that Hope had “filed something to the court and the court ordered us to go back here, and he said that I was in danger and stuff.”
"He was threatening to arrest — to have my mom arrested if we didn’t go back," she added. "
"I didn’t see him for multiple years. He never saw me for so long, it’s obvious he just came back because he wants money.”
- By Amanda Castro
Lil Tay's internet vanishment
Lil Tay suddenly vanished from the internet five years ago amid a custody battle between her parents, while suspicious allegations appeared online about her family situation and safety.
In June 2018, Lil Tay’s Instagram feed was wiped and the words “help me” were posted to her story, sparking concerns of a potential kidnapping.
Then, a few months later, a series of posts accusing her father, Christopher Hope, of abuse, were posted to the page in an apparent hack.
- By Amanda Castro
Report comes after not hearing from Tay since 2018
Lil Tay hadn't posted on her Instagram account since June 2018, prior to Wednesday's shock announcement.
Variety reported they had "confirmed" her death with her management but the representative was not named.
- By Amanda Castro
Police didn't receive reports
Local police say they've received no reports about her supposed death and are currently not investigating the matter.
Officials in Los Angeles, where Tay once lived with her mother and brother, say they also have no record of her or her sibling's deaths.
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay’s dad refuses to confirm death
Lil Tay’s father has refused to confirm whether the 14-year-old social media rapper has died amid mounting speculation regarding her alleged sudden death.
When reached by phone on Wednesday evening, Tay’s father, Christopher Hope, refused to provide any clarity on the situation.
The U.S. Sun asked Hope whether or not his daughter and son had died, to which he casually responded: “I’m not going to comment on that right now.”
Hope said he was aware of the mounting speculation about Tay’s death but said he was unwilling to share any further information.
He also refused to confirm whether Tay was living with him at the time of her supposed death, whether police had been notified about the situation, and whether or not he had full custody of Tay.
“I’m not going to issue any comment,” he said. “I’m not going to answer that at the moment.”
READ MORE SUN STORIES
RISING DOUBT Lil Tay’s dad refuses to confirm teen rapper’s death after strange post
- By Carsen Holaday
Local police haven’t received reports
Lil Tay was recently believed to be living with her father in Vancouver.
Local police say they’ve received no reports about her supposed death and are currently not investigating the matter.
Officials in Los Angeles, where Tay once lived with her mother and brother, say they also have no record of her or her sibling’s deaths.
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay’s final post honored late rapper
Lil Tay’s last post was in honor of late rapper XXXTentacion.
She posted a screenshot of a FaceTime call with him and shared some text messages.
Tay captioned the post: "you truly changed me [heart] 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, 3 hours ago you announced the Charity event we were going to throw, we had everything setup, I can’t believe this, the evil in the world, This isn’t good Bye.
“I Love you Bro.”
Lil Tay's last post was a tribute to XXXTentacionCredit: Instagram/@liltay - By Carsen Holaday
Former managers question announcement, part three
Harry Tsang, another former rep for Tay, told The U.S. Sun he has been unable to confirm the legitimacy of the statement.
"I have been in communication with individuals who have an intimate understanding of the family's situation," Tsang wrote in an emailed statement.
"Given the complexities of the current circumstances, I am at a point where I cannot definitively confirm or dismiss the legitimacy of the statement issued by the family.
"This situation calls for cautious consideration and respect for the sensitivities involved. My commitment remains focused on delivering updates that are both reliable and appropriately timed.
"In times like these, it is imperative that we prioritize accuracy and empathy.
"I encourage everyone to rely on reputable and official sources for information. We must exercise patience while awaiting further developments before drawing any conclusions."
- By Carsen Holaday
Former managers question announcement, continued
The former manager continued: "Why is it not signed, 'This is Tay's mom', or 'This is the dad of Lil Tay', or from an official representative? Why is there no attachment?
"To me, that is a very telltale sign. It doesn't make sense. Even when you have passings, there's a group of people that come together to make the statement, usually the family, and we don't see that here.
"I send my condolences and I'm shocked by the news. But I'm curious as to who the statement has been released by and [why it hasn't been signed by anyone.]
"I should be grieving right now […] but I just have so many questions."
- By Carsen Holaday
Former managers question death announcement
The statement announcing Lil Tay and her brother's deaths offered no information as to where and when Tay and her brother reportedly passed away, only sharing that the circumstances surrounding their deaths are "still under investigation."
One of Tay's former managers, who asked to remain anonymous, told The U.S. Sun they were shocked and concerned to learn of the "talented" girl's apparent passing.
However, certain details in the statement appeared suspicious to them, the ex-manager said.
"One thing I would question is who posted that statement and why isn't it signed by anyone from the family," said the anonymous insider, who hasn't been in contact with Tay for a few years.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
‘CONCERNING SIGNS’ Lil Tay’s former managers question death announcement’s ‘legitimacy’
- By Carsen Holaday
Tributes continue to flood in
Lil Tay, whose real name is Claire Hope Eileen Qi, supposedly died unexpectedly, according to an unattributed statement published on her official Instagram page on Wednesday.
Multiple fans of the teen have flooded her Instagram posts with tributes.
One fan wrote: “Rest in peace Claire, hope you’re happy up there [dove emoji]”
Another wrote: “Poor baby, rest in peace Claire :(“
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay went on ABC News
Lil Tay appeared on ABC News after her move to Hollywood with her mom, Angela.
During the interview, Lil Tay denied that her family had control of her social media accounts.
Her mother added that she encouraged Lil Tay to live her dream as a content creator.
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay's brother helped her rise to fame
Lil Tay's videos were made with the help of her brother, who was around 16 years old when Tay rose to fame.
Tay's brother, Jason, would generally tell the girl what to say and acted as her manager.
Although Tay claimed to be a millionaire who owned luxury cars, this image was largely manufactured.
She and Jason made many videos in expensive homes they briefly had access to through their mother Angie Tian, who was a real estate agent.
- By Carsen Holaday
About Lil Tay's rise to fame
Lil Tay, who called herself "the youngest flexer of the century," rose to fame for her crass, boastful social media videos.
"This is a message to all y’all broke-ass haters, y’all ain't doing it like Lil Tay," she said in one clip where she can be seen hopping into a red Mercedes-Benz with a wad of cash.
"I’m only 9 years old. I don’t got no license, but I still drive this sports car.
"Your favorite rapper ain’t even doing it like Lil Tay."
Tay gained prominence through collaborations and splashy public disputes with figures like Bhad Bhabie, Jake Paul, and Woah Vicky.
- By Louis Allwood
What did Lil Tay's statement say?
The strangely-worded statement announcing Tay's apparent passing was shared with her three million Instagram followers late Wednesday morning.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing," began the statement.
"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."
- By Louis Allwood
What did Lil Tay's statement say?
The strangely-worded statement announcing Tay's apparent passing was shared with her three million Instagram followers late Wednesday morning.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing," began the statement.
"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."
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay's parents had joint custody
In October 2018, Angie Tian and Chris Hope were granted joint custody of Tay but the latter was granted full power regarding the child's legal matters.
Chris explained to Hollywood Life: "When my daughter’s social media began to go viral this year, I disagreed with most of the social media activity.
"I took legal steps to stop things which I felt were dangerous to her physical and mental health and to her future.
"I do not think a 10-year-old girl should be put in those situations and made to drop out of school so that she can make money for other people.
"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."
- By Carsen Holaday
What to know about Lil Tay's parents
Otherwise known by her online name Lil Tay, Claire Hope was the youngest child of Angela Tian and Christopher J. Hope.
When Tay first went viral, Angie was a real estate agent.
Meanwhile, Chris is an attorney, pilot, and author who works at the Vancouver-based law firm Lindsay LLP.
The late influencer was raised in Vancouver but relocated with her mother to Los Angeles at nine years old.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
INFLUENCER’S BLOODLINE What to know about Lil Tay’s parents Angela and Christopher
- By Carsen Holaday
Lil Tay’s real name
Lil Tay‘s real name is Claire Hope.
Starting in 2017, Lil Tay got viral on social media sites such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
- By Carsen Holaday
Big names have referenced Lil Tay
Lil Tay, who billed herself as “the youngest flexer of the century,” swiftly gained millions of followers when she surfaced in 2017.
This includes big-name YouTubers who saw a chance to monetize her character.
RiceGum, an immensely prominent YouTube personality, dedicated a whole roast video to Lil Tay in late January.
- By Carsen Holaday
Fans send love to Woah Vicky
Fans send love to Woah Vicky after she posted a tribute for Lil Tay.
One comment read: “you were the first person i though of when i heard of lil tay passing.”
Another wrote: “omg im so sorry Vicky.”
“I’m sorry for your loss Victoria,” commented a third.
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