In the eyes of her numerous followers, Lhamo, a popular influencer, portrayed a positive image by regularly sharing videos showcasing her passion for nature and cooking. Tragically, her bright presence was abruptly extinguished one fateful evening.
During a livestream in September 2020 from her father’s kitchen, with over 400 viewers on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, Lhamo was startled when her violent ex-husband, Tang Lu, abruptly entered the room, causing her to scream in fear. The screen went dark, marking the final moment Lhamo’s followers saw her alive.
Tang Lu, who had been Lhamo’s abusive ex-husband, had previously subjected her to multiple instances of violence. On this occasion, he escalated his brutality by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire.
Following the heinous attack, Lhamo’s father rushed her to the hospital, where her sister Dolma later found her with severe burns covering 90% of her body. Despite a valiant two-week battle in the ICU, Lhamo succumbed to her extensive injuries.
Tang was apprehended, convicted of homicide, and handed a death sentence by the court for his exceptionally cruel crime. Despite his failed appeals, he was executed in the summer of 2022.
Behind the facade of her picturesque rural life in Jinchuan, Sichuan, Tibetan influencer Lhamo fought tirelessly to shield herself and her children from Tang’s abuse. Despite reporting the abuse to authorities, she received minimal assistance, with authorities dismissing it as a “personal family matter.”
While it is too late to save Lhamo, her tragic story has brought attention to the issue of domestic violence in China. Advocates have rallied under the #LhamoAct, pushing for improved legislation and support for domestic abuse survivors.
Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights at a UN conference, citing Lhamo’s case. Additionally, Chinese singer Tan Weiwei honored Lhamo and other women in a poignant feminist song.
For confidential support, contact the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. If you need assistance after losing a loved one to fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) provides specialized support and advocacy at aafda.org.uk. Share your story by emailing julia.banim@reachplc.com.
