Lil Tay’s Ex-Manager Raises Shocking Doubts Over Social Media Star’s Death

Lil Tay Courtesy of Lil Tay/Instagram

Lil Tay's death was announced on her official Instagram account, but her former manager is now questioning the truth of this statement. This has left fans wondering if the teenage social media star is still alive.

Harry Tsang, the former manager, expressed uncertainty about the legitimacy of the family's statement. In a statement to Insider on Wednesday, August 9, he acknowledged the complexities of the current circumstances. He emphasized the importance of approaching the situation cautiously and respecting the sensitivities involved. Tsang remains dedicated to providing reliable and appropriately timed updates.

Lil Tay's father, Christopher Hope, refused to comment on the rumors of her death when contacted by the New York Post on Wednesday. Hope stated, "Yes, you have the correct person, but I cannot provide any comments at this time. I apologize, but I am unable to." The official Instagram account of Lil Tay shared a statement earlier on Wednesday, declaring the deaths of both Lil Tay and her brother, Jason Tian.

With deep sadness, we announce the tragic and unexpected loss of our dear Claire. We are at a loss for words to convey the immense pain and grief we are experiencing. The shock of this devastating news is amplified by the unimaginable depth of sorrow caused by her brother's passing. While the cause of their deaths remains undisclosed, investigations are currently underway to shed light on these circumstances.

"Amidst this period of deep sorrow, we humbly request privacy while we mourn this overwhelming loss," the statement expressed. "Claire shall eternally hold a place in our hearts, her absence creating an irreplaceable emptiness that will be experienced by everyone who had the privilege of knowing and cherishing her."

Upon contacting We for a comment, an individual speaking on behalf of Tay, using the email address provided in Tay's Instagram biography, responded with deep remorse, confirming the authenticity of the statement.

Tay, also known as Claire Eileen Qi Hope, gained popularity in 2018 through videos showcasing piles of money and extravagant possessions. She proudly referred to herself as the "youngest flexer" of the internet.

Lil Tay, photographed for Instagram by Lil Tay/Instagram, initially portrayed herself as a 9-year-old; however, New York magazine disclosed in 2019 that she was actually born on July 29, 2007, making her 10 years old in the videos.

Lil Tay quickly disappeared from the scene shortly after her debut. Before the announcement of her supposed death was published on Wednesday, her last Instagram post was shared in June 2018. During that time, there was a circulating video that seemed to capture her brother feeding her the vulgar language that became her trademark.

Later in 2018, an unidentified user posted from the Lil Tay account, alleging that her father was abusive. The post was swiftly removed, and Chris Jones, who claimed to be Tay's music manager, asserted that the account had been "hacked."

Hope, on the other hand, refuted the allegations and expressed his sorrow over the situation. In October 2018, he stated to HollywoodLife, "I was devastated when my daughter's social media began to gain attention this year. I strongly disagreed with most of the activities happening on social media." He took legal measures to protect her physical and mental well-being, as well as her future. He believed it was wrong for a 10-year-old girl to be subjected to such situations and forced to leave school in order to generate income for others.

After three years, Tay's brother initiated a GoFundMe campaign, claiming it would raise funds for his sister's legal battle against their parents. On the fundraiser's page, he wrote, "Starting from April 23, 2021, Lil Tay will be fighting for her life, future, and freedom. Tay is desperately in need of financial support to combat her abusive father. Due to these circumstances, she has fallen into a state of depression."

Hope shares Tay and Jason with Angela Tian, who New York magazine described as Tay’s “primary caretaker” in 2019.

We has reached out to Hope for comment.