Tragic events unfolded for popular social media influencer Lhamo in September 2020 while she was live streaming on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok. During the broadcast from her father’s kitchen, a horrifying intrusion by her violent ex-husband, Tang Lu, abruptly cut the feed, leaving her followers in shock. Tang, who had a history of abuse towards Lhamo, escalated his violence by dousing her with gasoline and setting her on fire.
Despite her father’s immediate efforts to get her to the hospital, Lhamo sustained severe burns, with her sister Dolma rushing to her side as she fought for her life with 90% of her body burned. Despite the intensive care, Lhamo tragically succumbed to her injuries after two weeks of battling for survival.
Tang faced justice as he was arrested, convicted of homicide, and eventually sentenced to death for his horrendous actions. The court regarded his crime as exceptionally brutal, leading to his execution in the summer of 2022.
Behind the scenes of her picturesque rural life in Jinchuan, Sichuan, Lhamo had been enduring abuse from Tang, leaving her with multiple injuries over the years. Despite attempts to seek help from authorities, Lhamo and her family were met with indifference, allowing Tang to continue his violent behavior unchecked.
Although Lhamo’s story ended tragically, it shed light on the pressing issue of domestic violence in China, prompting calls for improved legal protections for survivors. The #LhamoAct movement emerged, advocating for automatic divorce rights for abuse victims and better enforcement of domestic violence laws.
President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of safeguarding women’s rights at a UN conference, emphasizing the need for a national commitment to this cause. Lhamo’s legacy was further recognized in a poignant feminist song by Chinese singer Tan Weiwei.
For those in need of support, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24/7 for confidential assistance. Additionally, AAFDA offers specialized help for those affected by fatal domestic abuse.