Who Is Lil Tay? Age, Net Worth & Boyfriend (2026)

Lil Tay’s story is one of the most controversial and talked-about sagas in social media history. From becoming the “youngest flexer of the century” at just 9 years old to a shocking death hoax in 2023, her journey has captivated millions worldwide.

In this complete biography, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Lil Tay in 2026—her real name, age, height, family drama, career ups and downs, relationship status, and current net worth.

Quick Facts About Lil Tay

Who Is Lil Tay?

Lil Tay, born Tay Tian (originally Claire Eileen Qi Hope), is an American-Canadian internet personality and rapper who took the social media world by storm in early 2018. At just 9 years old (though she claimed to be 8), she became famous for posting videos showing off luxury cars, designer clothes, and stacks of cash while using profanity and insulting her viewers.

Her catchphrase “youngest flexer of the century” became synonymous with her brand. But behind the viral videos was a deeply troubling story involving family conflict, alleged exploitation, and a custody battle that would eventually silence her for five years.

Today, at 18 years old, Lil Tay has returned to the spotlight with a new music career, a controversial OnlyFans account, and a fresh start after one of social media’s most bizarre death hoaxes.

Early Life and Family Background

Childhood in Atlanta and Vancouver

Tay Tian was born on July 29, 2007, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her early childhood was split between two very different worlds. Her father, Christopher J. Hope, is a lawyer, while her mother, Angela Tian, worked as a real estate agent in Vancouver, British Columbia.

When Tay was still very young, her family relocated to Vancouver, Canada, where she spent most of her childhood. Her parents never married and maintained a shared custody arrangement, which would later become the center of a bitter legal battle.

Growing up, Tay lived a relatively normal life until her older half-brother, Jason Tian, saw an opportunity to make her internet famous.

Parents: The Battle Between Angela Tian and Christopher Hope

Lil Tay’s parents couldn’t be more different, and their contrasting views on their daughter’s career created years of conflict:

Angela Tian (Mother):

• Former real estate agent in Vancouver
• Supported Lil Tay’s controversial social media career
• Lost her job after allowing her daughter to film in luxury homes without permission
• Used her boss’s Mercedes-Benz 550 SL in videos without authorization
• Currently has full custody as of August 2023
• Moved with Tay to Los Angeles to pursue entertainment opportunities

Christopher J. Hope (Father):

• Canadian lawyer based in Vancouver
• Opposed Tay’s controversial online persona
• Fought for custody to give her a more professional career path
• Wanted to trademark her name and create a trust fund for her earnings
• Required to pay retroactive child support after losing custody in 2023
• Has been accused (unproven) of abuse in social media posts allegedly made by Jason

The custody battle between Christopher and Angela has defined much of Lil Tay’s life and career trajectory.

Brother Jason Tian’s Controlling Role

Perhaps the most controversial figure in Lil Tay’s story is her older half-brother, Jason Tian. At just 16 years old in 2018, Jason was reportedly the mastermind behind Lil Tay’s entire persona.

According to multiple reports:

• Jason had complete control over Lil Tay’s Instagram and social media accounts
• He directed and coached all her videos, telling her exactly what to say
• He studied famous YouTubers to engineer viral content
• Witnesses described him as “domineering” and harsh with his sister
• He allegedly made Tay say racial slurs on camera
• One source reported: “I’ve seen her brother shout at her, saying ‘You’re no good, it’s no good.’ She was crying hard.”

Jason also allegedly created a GoFundMe campaign and posted accusations of abuse against their father on Lil Tay’s accounts—posts that were later claimed to be the result of hacking.

This dynamic raised serious questions about child exploitation and the ethics of family members profiting from a minor’s online fame.

Physical Stats: Height, Weight, and Appearance

Current Measurements (2026)

As an 18-year-old, Lil Tay’s physical stats are:

• Height: 4 feet 1 inch (124.5 cm / 1.24 meters)
• Weight: Approximately 77 pounds (35 kg)
• Body Measurements: 32-23-33 inches
• Bra Size: 32B
• Dress Size: 4 (US)
• Shoe Size: 6 (US)
• Eye Color: Hazel
• Natural Hair Color: Dark brown (though she often dyes it blonde)

Style Evolution

Lil Tay’s fashion sense has always been centered around luxury brands. During her peak fame in 2018, she was frequently seen wearing:

• Gucci clothing and accessories
• Supreme streetwear
• Designer sneakers (Yeezys, Balenciaga)
• Expensive jewelry and watches

Her style was deliberately provocative, mixing high fashion with urban streetwear to create the image of a wealthy young influencer. Today, her style has matured slightly while still maintaining that luxury aesthetic.

Rise to Fame: Complete Career Timeline

2017-2018: The Viral Explosion

Lil Tay’s rise to fame was meteoric and controversial from day one.

Early 2018 – The Beginning: In January 2018, a 10-year-old girl (claiming to be 9) started posting videos on Instagram that immediately went viral. The content was shocking:

• Sitting in luxury cars and claiming they were hers
• Throwing stacks of cash in the air
• Using profanity and aggressive language
• Insulting her viewers and calling herself the “youngest flexer of the century”
• Bragging about her wealth and expensive lifestyle

The Content Strategy: Her videos followed a formula:

1. Showcase a luxury location (mansion, sports car, designer store)
2. Display cash or expensive items
3. Use aggressive, confrontational language
4. Challenge other influencers
5. End with a boastful statement

This formula was engineered by her brother Jason, who studied viral content creators to maximize engagement.

Rapid Growth: Within months, Lil Tay had:

• Over 2 million Instagram followers
• Millions of YouTube views
• Collaborations with major influencers like Jake Paul
• Features on mainstream media including Good Morning America
• A music video titled “Money Way” showcasing her rap skills

The Controversy Peaks (May-June 2018)

By May 2018, the situation reached a breaking point:

Public Backlash:

• Rapper Snoop Dogg criticized her, saying: “She need to be in school learning how to be a little girl not a dumbass grown person”
• Child welfare advocates raised concerns about exploitation
• Her mother Angela was fired from her real estate job
• Reports emerged about Jason’s controlling behavior

The Feud with Bhad Bhabie: Lil Tay’s rivalry with rapper Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli) culminated in a physical altercation at Coachella Music Festival 2018. Videos of their confrontation received over 4 million views. The feud also involved influencer Woah Vicky, creating a three-way conflict that dominated social media gossip.

Leaked Videos: BuzzFeed News published a report in May 2018 featuring leaked footage of Jason coaching Lil Tay on what to say in videos, confirming suspicions that her persona was manufactured and controlled by family members.

The Disappearance (June 2018 – August 2023)

In June 2018, Lil Tay suddenly vanished from social media. Here’s what happened:

The Custody Order: Christopher Hope (her father) successfully obtained a court order requiring:

• Lil Tay to return to Vancouver immediately
• All social media content to cease
• Full custody pending a final hearing

The court noted that Tay had missed 72 days of school while living in Los Angeles, raising education neglect concerns.

The Social Media Purge: All of Lil Tay’s Instagram and YouTube content was abruptly deleted in an attempt to “rebrand” her image. Her accounts went silent for five years.

The Mysterious Posts: During this period, several suspicious posts appeared:

• October 2018: Unsubstantiated abuse allegations against her father
• 2021: More abuse accusations and a GoFundMe campaign launched by Jason
• Claims of hacking and unauthorized access

Lil Tay’s manager Harry Tsang called these posts “defamation and libel” and suggested that Jason and Angela had attempted to fabricate abuse allegations.

The 2023 Death Hoax: Social Media’s Biggest Mystery

On August 9, 2023, the internet exploded with shocking news.

The Announcement: Lil Tay’s Instagram account, inactive for two years, suddenly posted a statement claiming both she and her brother Jason (21) had died “unexpectedly.” The post stated their deaths were “entirely unexpected” and under investigation.

The Confusion:

• Her father Christopher initially told media he “couldn’t confirm or deny” her death
• Vancouver and Los Angeles police departments had no record of her death
• No death certificates could be found
• Variety reported receiving confirmation from her management
• Snopes initially reported her death as confirmed, then updated their article

The Truth Revealed: On August 10, 2023, TMZ reported that Lil Tay was alive and her Instagram had been hacked. The death announcement was completely false. Lil Tay herself provided a statement confirming she and Jason were both alive and safe.

The Aftermath: Shortly after, MacLean Law, representing Angela Tian, released a statement revealing:

• Angela had been granted full custody of Lil Tay
• Christopher Hope was ordered to pay retroactive child support
• Lil Tay was now free to “advance her career”
• Angela could sign contracts on Lil Tay’s behalf

Many speculated the death hoax was a publicity stunt to generate buzz for her comeback, though no evidence confirmed this theory.

2023-2024: The Comeback

September 2023 – “Sucker 4 Green”: Just weeks after the death hoax, Lil Tay released her first single in five years, “Sucker 4 Green,” from her upcoming debut studio album. The song discusses her love of money and marked her official return to music.

Music critics noted the song had a pop-rap sound, less aggressive than expected—more of a shopping mall anthem than a hardcore rap track.

September 2024 – Health Crisis: On September 12, 2024, Lil Tay’s social media announced she was in the ICU in critical condition with a heart tumor. Two days later, she posted an update saying she had undergone successful open-heart surgery.

Following her recovery, she released another single titled “Growing Up,” reflecting on her tumultuous journey.

2025-2026: New Chapter

April 2025 – New Relationship: Lil Tay began dating Rakai, a member of the popular content group AMP (Any Means Possible). Their relationship has been featured in several YouTube videos and social media posts.

August 2025 – OnlyFans Controversy: Shortly after turning 18 on July 29, 2025, Lil Tay launched an OnlyFans account on August 3, 2025. According to a screenshot she shared, she earned over $1 million in just three hours, claiming to be the “youngest girl on OnlyFans” to achieve such earnings.

The move was controversial, with critics arguing it was another example of exploitation, while supporters said she was finally in control of her own career as an adult.

August 2025 – “Stuck in July”: Days after her OnlyFans launch, Lil Tay released another single, “Stuck in July,” continuing her music comeback.

Music Career and Discography

Singles Released:

“Money Way” (2018)

• Her debut single released during her initial fame
• Classic “flexing” anthem about wealth
• Featured in many of her viral videos

“Sucker 4 Green” (September 2023)

• Lead single from upcoming debut album
• Pop-rap style
• Marked her comeback after 5-year absence

“Growing Up” (October 2024)

• Released after heart surgery
• More mature, reflective sound
• Discusses her journey and challenges

“Stuck in July” (August 2025)

• Latest single released post-OnlyFans launch
• Summer anthem style

Musical Style:

Lil Tay’s music blends:

• Hip-hop and trap influences
• Pop melodies
• “Flexing” culture lyrics
• Personal storytelling

Education Background

Lil Tay’s education has been one of the most neglected aspects of her life:

Early Schooling:

• Attended elementary school in Vancouver before fame
• Pulled from traditional school in 2018 when she moved to Los Angeles

Homeschooling Claims:

• Her mother claimed she was being homeschooled in Los Angeles
• Her father disputed this, stating she missed 72 days of school
• No public records of any homeschool curriculum or progress

Current Education (2026): Now 18 years old, Lil Tay has not pursued traditional education or college. Her focus remains on her entertainment career, music, and social media presence.

The lack of consistent education during her formative years remains a controversial topic, with many arguing she was deprived of a normal childhood for the sake of internet fame.

Relationship Status and Boyfriend

Dating History

For most of her public life, Lil Tay kept her romantic life private—primarily because she was a minor. However, as an adult, she’s been more open.

Current Boyfriend: Rakai (2026-Present)

In April 2026, Lil Tay confirmed she was dating Rakai, a member of the YouTube collective AMP (Any Means Possible).

About Their Relationship:

• They went public in April 2026
• Featured together in multiple YouTube videos
• Rakai is also a content creator and streamer
• Their relationship content has generated millions of views
• Considered one of social media’s new “it couples”

A YouTube video titled “RAKAI TOLD LIL TAY HOW HE REALLY FEELS SHE LIKES HIM NOW…” documented the early stages of their relationship and went viral among both their fanbases.

Past Relationships

Lil Tay has not publicly confirmed any serious relationships before Rakai. Given that she was only 10-15 years old during her first wave of fame and then largely out of the public eye until 18, this isn’t surprising.

Lil Tay Net Worth 2026: Complete Breakdown

Current Net Worth: $2 Million

As of January 2026, Lil Tay’s estimated net worth is $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This is a significant increase from earlier estimates of $500,000.

Income Sources:

1. OnlyFans Earnings (2026-Present)

• Launched August 3, 2025
• Allegedly earned $1,024,298 in first 3 hours
• Subscription-based content platform
• Estimated monthly earnings: $200,000-$500,000

2. Social Media Presence

• Instagram sponsored posts
• YouTube ad revenue
• TikTok creator fund
• Brand partnerships and endorsements

3. Music Career

• Streaming royalties (Spotify, Apple Music)
• Single sales and downloads
• Music video monetization
• Potential touring revenue (future)

4. Past Earnings (2018)

• Viral video monetization
• Brand deals during peak fame
• Merchandise (limited run)

Net Worth Comparison

For context, here’s how Lil Tay’s net worth compares to similar influencers:

• Bhad Bhabie: $25 million (significantly higher due to OnlyFans success)
• Woah Vicky: $1-2 million (similar range)
• Lil Pump: $8 million (more established music career)

While $2 million is impressive for an 18-year-old, it’s modest compared to what she could have earned with a more stable, long-term career strategy. The five-year absence from 2018-2023 significantly impacted her earning potential.

Controversies and Public Feuds

The Bhad Bhabie Feud

The most famous rivalry was with Bhad Bhabie (Danielle Bregoli), another controversial teen rapper. Their feud included:

• Diss tracks and social media insults
• Physical confrontation at Coachella 2018
• Involvement of Woah Vicky, creating a three-way conflict
• Videos receiving over 4 million views

Criticism from Snoop Dogg

Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg publicly criticized Lil Tay in 2018, stating she needed to be in school instead of acting like a “dumbass grown person.” His comments reflected widespread concern about child exploitation in social media.

Account Suspensions

Both Lil Tay’s Twitter and Instagram accounts faced suspensions multiple times due to:

• Excessive profanity and aggressive content
• Use of racial slurs (allegedly coached by her brother)
• Violations of age-appropriate content guidelines
• Reports from concerned viewers

The Real Estate Scandal

Angela Tian lost her real estate job after it was discovered she:

• Allowed Lil Tay to film in luxury homes without owner permission
• Used her employer’s Mercedes-Benz in videos without authorization
• Exploited her position for her daughter’s social media content

This raised serious questions about professional ethics and the lengths parents will go for their child’s internet fame.

The Dark Side: Child Exploitation Concerns

Lil Tay’s story highlights serious issues about children on social media:

Red Flags:

• Lack of control: Jason controlled all her accounts
• Harsh treatment: Reports of verbal abuse during filming
• Educational neglect: 72 missed school days
• Manufactured persona: Scripted content, forced behavior
• Financial exploitation: Family profiting from her work
• No childhood: Denied age-appropriate experiences

Legal and Ethical Questions:

• Should children be allowed to create controversial content?
• What protections exist for child influencers?
• How much control should family members have?
• When does parental guidance become exploitation?

Her story has been compared to traditional child stars, but with fewer regulations and protections. Unlike Hollywood child actors who have legal safeguards (Coogan Laws), social media child influencers operate in a largely unregulated space.

Latest Updates (2025-2026)

Health and Recovery (2025-2026)

September 2024 marked a frightening health crisis for Lil Tay:

• Diagnosed with a heart tumor
• Hospitalized in ICU in critical condition
• Underwent open-heart surgery on September 14, 2024
• Surgery reported as successful
• Made full recovery by late 2026

The health scare led to an outpouring of support from fans and even some critics who had previously condemned her content.

New Music Releases (2024-2026)

Following her recovery, Lil Tay released:

• “Growing Up” (October 2024) – A more mature, reflective track
• “Stuck in July” (August 2025) – Summer single
• Announced debut studio album (release date TBA)

Social Media Return (2023-Present)

After five years of silence, Lil Tay has rebuilt her social media presence:

• Instagram: Verified account with millions of followers
• TikTok: Growing presence with viral content
• YouTube: Music videos and vlogs
• Twitter/X: Active engagement with fans

Her content has evolved from pure “flexing” to include:

• Behind-the-scenes music production
• Relationship content with Rakai
• Fashion and lifestyle posts
• More authentic, personal storytelling

What’s Next for Lil Tay?

As Lil Tay enters full adulthood in 2026, her future remains uncertain but full of potential:

Possible Career Directions:

Music Focus:

• Debut album release
• Music tours and live performances
• Collaborations with established artists
• Evolution from internet personality to legitimate musician

Social Media Growth:

• Continued OnlyFans content
• YouTube vlogging and lifestyle content
• Brand partnerships and endorsements
• Possible reality TV or streaming shows

Personal Development:

• Building healthy relationships (with Rakai)
• Establishing independence from family control
• Potential memoir or documentary about her experiences
• Advocacy for child influencer protections

Challenges Ahead:

• Overcoming controversial past reputation
• Proving legitimacy in the music industry
• Managing public perception
• Maintaining relevance in fast-paced social media world
• Dealing with ongoing family drama

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Lil Tay’s story is more than just internet drama—it’s a cautionary tale about child exploitation, family dysfunction, and the dark side of social media fame.

At just 18 years old, she’s already lived through:

• Viral internet fame
• Family betrayal and manipulation
• A bitter custody battle
• Five years of forced silence
• A fake death announcement
• Serious health issues
• And a controversial comeback