Influencer Lhamo, known for her positive content showcasing outdoor activities and cooking, tragically met a horrific fate one evening in September 2020. While livestreaming from her father’s kitchen to over 400 viewers on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, a man suddenly entered the room, causing Lhamo to scream in fear before the screen went dark, marking the last time her followers saw her alive.
The intruder was identified as Tang Lu, Lhamo’s abusive ex-husband whom she had divorced twice, with the second divorce being coerced by threats to harm their children. Tang had a history of violence towards Lhamo and escalated to a gruesome act by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire.
Following the brutal attack, Lhamo was rushed to the hospital by her father, where her sister Dolma found her with severe burns covering 90% of her body. Despite a fierce battle in the intensive care unit, Lhamo succumbed to her injuries after two weeks.
Tang was arrested, charged with homicide, and ultimately sentenced to death for his heinous crime, which the court deemed exceptionally cruel. Despite his appeal being rejected, Tang was executed in the summer of 2022.
Lhamo, a Tibetan influencer residing in Jinchuan, Sichuan, had endured years of abuse from Tang, resulting in physical injuries such as a dislocated elbow. Despite attempts to seek help from authorities, Lhamo and her family were dismissed, with the police labeling it as a private family matter.
The tragic incident shed light on domestic abuse issues in China, prompting the #LhamoAct movement advocating for better protection and enforcement of laws to support domestic abuse survivors. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the national commitment to women’s rights in response to such cases, with Lhamo’s story also resonating in a powerful feminist song by singer Tan Weiwei.
While Lhamo’s story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for action against domestic violence, her legacy continues to inspire calls for change and support for victims in similar situations.
