Controversial social media personality Lil Tay, real name Claire Hope, has died aged 14.
The news was confirmed in a post to her Instagram.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire’s sudden and tragic passing,” the post from an unnamed person said.
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“We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain.”
It was then revealed Claire’s brother, Jason Tian, also recently died.
It is unclear if the siblings died at the same time. No causes of death have been revealed.
Controversial social media personality Lil Tay, real name Claire Hope, has died aged 14. Credit: Instagram
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“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 post continued.
“Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her.”
The teenager gained fame as a 9-year-old, sharing videos of her rapping.
The explicit content of her lyrics ranged from bragging about selling drugs, to getting in fights and driving $200k cars without a licence.
The death of Claire Hope, known online as Lil Tay, was confirmed in a post to her Instagram. Credit: Instagram
Viewers became concerned she was being exploited for views based on shock value, though she spoke publicly about being in control of her online persona.
“No one is forcing me to do this,” she said in a 2018 interview.
In 2020, TMZ revealed Claire’s parents were fighting over custody of her.
A court had ordered she stop posting on her Instagram account in 2018, at her father’s request.
Claire Hope, known online as Lil Tay, became a controversial figure online. Credit: Instagram
Claire’s last post was a tribute to rapper and singer-songwriter XXXTentacion.
“X you truly changed me,” she said.
“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.
“Three hours ago, you announced the charity event we were going to throw, we had everything set up, I can’t believe this, the evil in the world, this isn’t goodbye. I love you bro.”
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