Current:Home > ScamsRobert Brown|Lil Tay, viral influencer and child rapper, dies at 15: 'Entirely unexpected' -Capitatum
Robert Brown|Lil Tay, viral influencer and child rapper, dies at 15: 'Entirely unexpected'
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-06 07:25:34
Viral teen influencer and Robert Brownrapper Lil Tay has died at 15.
"It is with a heavy heart that we share the devastating news of our beloved Claire's sudden and tragic passing. We have no words to express the unbearable loss and indescribable pain. This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock," a statement posted to her Instagram on Wednesday read.
The date and cause of death for the young star, real name Claire Eileen Qi Hope, has not yet been revealed. Lil Tay's management confirmed her death with "profound regret."
The Instagram statement also revealed the influencer's brother has died. "Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief," the statement read.
"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 concluded.
Lil Tay went viral in 2018 with several videos of her flashing wads of cash while seated in fancy cars and doing house tours. She self-labeled as the "youngest flexer," and had more than 3 million followers on Instagram at the time of her death.
"People think it's funny, I guess, cause I'm 9 years old and I've accomplished so much," she said on "Good Morning America" in May 2018. "I'm the youngest flexer. I can do anything I like. If they don’t believe me, I don't care."
She also slammed critics who claimed she was being exploited by her family. "No one is forcing me to do this," she said. "This is my decision. I am happy with what I am doing."
Lil Tay's mom Angie, who chose to only be identified by her first name, told "GMA" that despite her daughter's profanity on social media platforms, she is "well-mannered and a great kid, well-behaved."
The young influencer had gone silent on her Instagram feed in recent years, with the most recent photos on her account from June 2018. Aside from the announcement of her death, the most recent post on her account was mourning the death of another young star, rapper XXXTentacion.
"X you truly changed me," Lil Tay wrote in the caption. "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, 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 ByeI Love you Bro."
veryGood! (89792)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Police identify 7-year-old child killed in North Carolina weekend shooting
- Monument erected in Tulsa for victims of 1921 Race Massacre
- Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
- Golf's No. 1 Nelly Korda looking to regain her form – and her spot on the Olympic podium
- Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
- Tom Brady Shares How He's Preparing for Son Jack to Be a Stud
- Bev Priestman fired as Canada women’s soccer coach after review of Olympic drone scandal
- Costco membership growth 'robust,' even amid fee increase: What to know about earnings release
- 'I heard it and felt it': Chemical facility explosion leaves 11 hospitalized in Louisville
Ranking
- Giants, Lions fined $200K for fights in training camp joint practices
- Glen Powell Addresses Rumor He’ll Replace Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible Franchise
- Denzel Washington Will Star in Black Panther 3 Before Retirement
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Take the Day Off
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Princess Kate to host annual Christmas carol service following cancer treatment
- Over 1.4 million Honda, Acura vehicles subject of US probe over potential engine failure
- American Idol’s Triston Harper, 16, Expecting a Baby With Wife Paris Reed
Recommendation
3 years after the NFL added a 17th game, the push for an 18th gets stronger
Trump ally Steve Bannon blasts ‘lawfare’ as he faces New York trial after federal prison stint
Ariana Grande Shares Dad's Emotional Reaction to Using His Last Name in Wicked Credits
US inflation may have picked up in October after months of easing
US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
'Yellowstone' premiere: Record ratings, Rip's ride and Billy Klapper's tribute
Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
How to Build Your Target Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Budget-Friendly Must-Haves for Effortless Style