Current:Home > MyTeen Social Media Star Lil Tay Confirms She's Alive And Not Dead After Hoax -NextFrontier Finance
Teen Social Media Star Lil Tay Confirms She's Alive And Not Dead After Hoax
View
Date:2025-04-16 21:24:21
Lil Tay has not, in fact, died.
After a statement posted to her official Instagram page claimed that the teen and her older brother Jason had both passed away, the rapper assured fans that is alive—and the victim of hacking.
"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," the social media star said in a family statement shared to TMZ Aug. 10. "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 added, "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.'"
In the original post shared to Instagram Aug. 9, a statement included details on the teen's "sudden and tragic passing."
"We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain," the message read. "This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock."
The note went on to claim that Lil Tay's brother Jason also died, adding "an even more unimaginable depth" to their family's grief.
"During this time of immense sorrow, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve this overwhelming loss," the statement continued, "as the circumstances surrounding Claire and her brother's passing are still under investigation."
Though Lil Tay's management confirmed her death to Variety, both her dad Christopher Hope and her former manager Harry Tsang would not confirm nor deny her passing when contacted by Insider.
"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," Harry said in a statement. "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."
Lil Tay confirmed to TMZ that she does currently have her social media account back and that the post has since been removed.
E! News has reached out to Tay for additional comment and has not heard back.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (5)
Related
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- Stop & Shop is using grocery store kiosks to make digital
- China's ruling Communist Party expels former chief of sports body
- Secretly recorded videos are backbone of corruption trial for longest
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Netizens raise privacy concerns over Acra's Bizfile search function revealing citizens' IC numbers
- Kylie Kelce's podcast 'Not Gonna Lie' tops Apple, Spotify less than a week after release
- California judges say they’re underpaid, and their new lawsuit could cost taxpayers millions
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- Video shows drone spotted in New Jersey sky as FBI says it is investigating
Ranking
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- 'Maria' review: Angelina Jolie sings but Maria Callas biopic doesn't soar
- Chiquis comes from Latin pop royalty. How the regional Mexican star found her own crown
- Morgan Wallen sentenced after pleading guilty in Nashville chair
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Amazon's Thank My Driver feature returns: How to give a free $5 tip after delivery
- 'September 5' depicts shocking day when terrorism arrived at the Olympics
- Save 30% on the Perfect Spongelle Holiday Gifts That Make Every Day a Spa Day
Recommendation
Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
What Americans think about Hegseth, Gabbard and key Trump Cabinet picks AP
The Voice Season 26 Crowns a New Winner
American who says he crossed into Syria on foot is freed after 7 months in detention
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Follow Your Dreams
Jim Leach, former US representative from Iowa, dies at 82
Oregon lawmakers to hold special session on emergency wildfire funding