LIL Tay was an up-and-coming social media rapper who was rumored to have passed away in August 2023.
The social media star's death was announced in a social media post, but Lil Tay set the record straight in an interview on Thursday, August 10.
Who is Lil Tay?
Lil Tay is an internet sensation known for her viral YouTube videos showing off her controversial lifestyle.
She would often brag that her toilet costs more than some people's rent and her videos were filled with profanity.
Despite the controversy surrounding her career, she gained millions of followers on social media in 2018 and was said to have a $500,000 net worth.
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She also collaborated with several other social media stars, including Jake Paul, Bhad Bhabie, and Woah Vicky.
What was Lil Tay's age?
When Lil Tay first rose to fame, she was only nine years old.
Self-described as "the youngest flexer in the century," online reports claim that she was 14 years old at the time of her passing.
At this time, her exact date of birth is not known.
Did Lil Tay pass away?
Lil Tay shied away from the spotlight, which is why fans were shocked when a post was made on her Instagram page on Wednesday, August 9, stating that she had died.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing," the post 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."
The post went on to say that "her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief," however, it did not name her brother, Jason Tian, directly.
"During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss."
However, on Thursday, August 10, Lil Tay broke her silence to say she was alive. She also revealed her legal name is Tay Tian.
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"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," she told TMZ.
She confirmed she and her brother "are safe and alive" but 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," she said.