Lil Tay's statement in full as rapper and influencer confirms she's 'not dead'

10 August 2023 , 18:17

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Lil Tay is alive, according to a new statement from the rapper

Lil Tay has confirmed that she's "safe and alive" despite a statement allegedly from her family announcing she and her brother's death. The statement was released via her Instagram account, which has over 3.3million followers, and expressed the family's "unbearable sorrow" at the loss of Lil Tay - who's real name they claimed was Claire Hope - and her brother.

However, as tributes poured in for the controversial rapper, Lil Tay took to TMZ to confirm that she hasn't passed away, sharing that her Instagram account was "compromised by a third party," shocking fans. In a statement, she told the publication: "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. It’s been a very traumatising 24 hours.

Lil Tay was reported dead on Wednesday (@liltay/instagram)

"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 rumours regarding me, to the point that even my name was wrong. My legal name is Tay Tian, not 'Claire Hope'."

Lil Tay thanked Meta for helping her recover access to her account, and has since taken down the false statement announcing her death. The statement, seemingly released by her family read: "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."

They added: "This outcome was entirely unexpected, and has left us all in shock. Her brother's passing adds an even more unimaginable depth to our grief. Claire will forever remain in our hearts, her absence leaving an irreplaceable void that will be felt by all who knew and loved her."

Lil Tay's ex-manager believes 'alternative motive' at play as he blames brother

Mystery surrounds the supposed death of Lil Tay and her brother (@liltay/instagram)

Lil Tay and her brother are supposed "safe and alive" (@liltay/instagram)

The statement, which was unattributed, claimed Tay and her brother had both died suddenly though provided no further information. Now Tay's father, Christopher Hope, allegedly refused to provide any clarity on the situation when contacted - and a former manager cast doubt.

When Tay's dad was allegedly asked if his daughter and son had died, to which he reportedly responded: "I'm not going to comment on that right now."

Lauren Gordon