TikTok Star Emman Atienza Dies by Suicide at 19
Emman Atienza, a popular TikTok personality known for showcasing her lifestyle and advocating for mental health awareness, has died by suicide, her mother confirmed on social media Monday. She was 19 years old. The news comes after Atienza faced significant online backlash in November 2023 over a video depicting a high-value restaurant bill, sparking criticism regarding wealth disparity in the Philippines.
atienza amassed a significant following on social media, with 875,000 followers on TikTok and 225,000 on Instagram. her content often provided glimpses into her affluent lifestyle, alongside discussions about mental health and challenges to conservative values within her home country. In recent months, she had been documenting her move to Los Angeles.
The controversy erupted after Atienza posted a TikTok of herself and friends,including Filipino singer Rhaila Tomakin and Miss World Philippines Krishnah Gravidez,playing “guess the bill” at a Japanese restaurant. The final bill totaled 133,000 Philippine Peso (approximately $2,268 USD), a sum that drew outrage given the Philippines’ average monthly wage of around 44,800 Philippine Peso ($794 USD).
Atienza swiftly deleted the video and temporarily stepped away from social media. She later addressed the criticism, clarifying that her family’s wealth was not derived from political connections. She subsequently shared updates on her life as she settled in Los Angeles, posting a TikTok just days prior to her death captioned, “life lately🌸 does this go hard🌸.”
Her mother, Myrza Atienza, announced her daughter’s passing on Instagram, requesting privacy for the family during this arduous time. Details surrounding the circumstances of her death have not been publicly released.
If you or someone you no is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 in the US and Canada,or by dialing 111 in the UK.
