What is Lil Tay's net worth? Inside rapper's fortune whose brother launched GoFundMe to fight abusive dad's demands
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On August 9, an official statement posted on Lil Tay’s Instagram page revealed that the YouTuber, whose real name is Claire Hope, and her brother, Jason Tian, has both reportedly passed away. The statement mentioned that the family has "no words to explain the unbearable loss and indescribable pain" of Tay's passing and added that Tian's death added "an even more unimaginable depth" to their grief.
It further stated that the circumstances surrounding the siblings' deaths "are still under investigation." Meanwhile, Tay's father allegedly refused to confirm the passing of his daughter while speaking to the press despite the official statement by her family. The Los Angeles Police Department also allegedly told the media that they had no information about any investigation into the death of any individual named "Claire Hope."
The situation sparked major speculation about the truth behind the siblings' passing but no immediate cause of their death was revealed alongside the tragic announcement.
Back in 2021, the now-deceased Canadian child rapper Lil Tay's Instagram story hinted about 'bad news'. Then a video was uploaded on her Instagram account with updates about how she was facing severe mental and physical abuse from her father, who shared custody with Lil Tay's mom Angie Tian.
The Instagram video showed a crying Tay at a heartbreaking moment from two years ago when she found out that her abusive father Christopher Hope had demanded custody over her. Soon after, a GoFundMe was launched by Lil Tay's brother Jason Tian to raise money for her legal fees, so she could get away from her abusive father.
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What is Lil Tay's net worth?
Lil Tay, whose real name is Claire Eileen Qi Hope, went viral on social media in 2018 at the age of nine years. She was known for her outrageous videos where she rapped and showed off cash, expensive cars and luxury houses. She was also popular for using cuss words and even racial profanities in her rap videos, which were considered bizarre and inappropriate by many given her young age.
The youngster soon gained millions of followers on various social media platforms through the videos. Her name was even mentioned by Eminem in his 2018 song 'Killshot'. Her videos were mostly based out of Beverly Hills, California, but it was found later that her father in Canada has got her custody.
Tay shot her videos with help from her mother Angela Tian, who was a real estate agent from Vancouver. She used the empty houses for sale and her boss' cars to shoot Tay's videos.
Tay's Instagram account went dormant later in 2018, around the time when her parents got into a bitter fight over her custody. In October 2018, an unnamed person who had worked with Tay posted details about her abuse at the hands of her father. The posts even alleged that her father often slept with other women with Tay on the same bed and would stay naked around her. There were also allegations about horrible food being given to her and Tay being locked in a closet for hours at a time.
Now, it appears that her brother has posted further shocking updates about her abuse is and seeking legal help to save her.
According to coed.com, Lil Tay has a net worth of $500,000 as of 2019.
'Tay is in desperate need of funds'
As per the GoFundMe started by Jason Tian, Tay urgently needs funds to support her legal fight against her abusive father. Many are baffled thinking why Tay needs financial help given her millionaire status. But, her brother has clarified that her father enjoys control over her money and has even stolen her money to go on luxurious vacations.
#Saveliltay
— Ethan (@Octo_poetic) April 23, 2021
Lil Tay is fighting for her life in the Supreme Court of Canada. Her abusive father is fighting for full custody and she has no money left to pay for lawyers to fight in him court. Please donate to her go fund me or share if you can. 🤕https://t.co/VeIKlR6A2N
In the GoFundMe campaign, her brother stated:
"Lil Tay will be fighting for her life, future and freedom starting April 23, 2021. Tay is in desperate need of funds to support her fight against her abusive father, as a result of this situation she has been in a state of depression. ALL FUNDS raised through this GoFundMe will go towards Tay’s legal fees to give her the fighting chance in court to save her from a life of abuse.. Towards her future, and freedom.
Starting April 23, 2021, Tay will be on trial in the BC Supreme Court of Canada up against her absentee father Chris Hope, who along with his wife Hanee Hope (previously known as Richanee Alcover), had physically and mentally abused her. Chris Hope is fighting to permanently gain control of her career as well as custody over her."
He further added, "My sister has no money left, every last dollar of hers has been taken from her by Chris Hope. My mother has completely exhausted all of her life savings after spending $750,000+ on legal fees in fighting for Tay’s freedom in the entire court process as well as supporting her financially since Chris Hope is not paying child support.
With your help Tay can be saved from a life of abuse, this is about her future, freedom, and human rights."
He has gone on to share meticulous details about Tay's childhood and systematic abuse by her father. Click here to read more.
The fundraiser also comprised shocking pictures of Tay with visible signs of physical abuse on her face and body. So far, the campaign has raised $3,396 out of its $150,000 goal.