ON WEDNESDAY, August 9, 2023, it was announced via Instagram that viral sensation Lil Tay reportedly died alongside her brother.
However, the following day, it was revealed Lil Tay's Instagram was hacked and the social media star is still alive.
What is Lil Tay's real name?
Lil Tay's real name is Tay Tian.
In an Instagram post shared to her profile in August 2023, Lil Tay was revealed to have reportedly passed away.
The statement reads: "It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing.
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"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain."
It continues: "Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief.
"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."
The statement concludes: "Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."
However, on August 10, Lil Tay revealed to TMZ that she is alive and that her Instagram account had been compromised.
Lil Tay 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. All day yesterday, I was bombarded with endless heartbreaking and tearful phone calls from loved ones all while trying to sort out this mess."
The 14-year-old rapper went on to say: "My Instagram account was compromised by a 3rd party and used to spread jarring misinformation and rumors regarding me, to the point that even my name was wrong. My legal name is Tay Tian, not 'Claire Hope.'"
Who was Lil Tay?
Lil Tay first went viral in 2017.
She is known across social media for being a nine-year-old with seemingly extensive amounts of money - in most of her posts, she could be seen with stacks of cash or expensive cars.
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Lil Tay often refers to herself as the "youngest flexer of the century," per The Cut, and quickly shot to fame due to her "statements meant only to shock."
With over 3.3million followers on Instagram, Lil Tay last posted in 2018 when fellow rapper, XXXTentacion, died at age 20.
At the time, the social media star 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."
She continued: "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."
Who are Lil Tay's parents?
Lil Tay is the youngest child of Angela Tian and Christopher John Hope.
When Lil Tay first went viral, Angela was a real estate agent and Christopher was a lawyer.
The influencer was raised in Vancouver, later relocating to Los Angeles with her mother.
During an interview with Good Morning America, Angela revealed she left her real estate job to help Lil Tay pursue her career.
"I didn’t get fired," she told Juju Chang during her interview.
"I resigned for my daughter’s career and her bright future."
