Tibetan social media sensation Lhamo, known for her uplifting content on outdoor adventures and cooking, met a tragic end in September 2020 during a livestream on the Chinese platform Douyin. While broadcasting from her father’s kitchen, Lhamo was abruptly interrupted by her violent ex-husband Tang Lu, who had a history of abusive behavior towards her.
Tang, whom Lhamo had divorced twice before, forcibly entered the room and attacked her, ultimately setting her on fire after dousing her with gasoline. Despite her father rushing her to the hospital immediately after the assault, Lhamo sustained severe burns covering 90% of her body, leading to her tragic demise after a two-week battle in intensive care.
Following Tang’s arrest, he was convicted of homicide and sentenced to death for his brutal crime. Despite his attempts to appeal, the court upheld the sentence, and Tang was executed in the summer of 2022. Lhamo’s story shed light on the issue of domestic violence in China, prompting calls for stronger legal protections for survivors and stricter enforcement of relevant laws.
While Lhamo’s life was cut short by domestic violence, her legacy continues to inspire advocacy for women’s rights and the prevention of such atrocities. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of safeguarding women’s rights as a national priority, echoing the sentiments expressed in a poignant feminist song by Chinese artist Tan Weiwei that honored Lhamo and other victims of gender-based violence.
