Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · August 9, 2025 · Entertainment

Lily Chee: New York's Most Hated It Girl or Fashion's Next Big Thing?

One look at Lily Chee's Instagram reveals a glamorous lifestyle complete with bikini pictures onboard yachts, lavish vacations and a crew of model pals. Pictured: Chee on the back of a boat

The Scandalous Life of Lily Chee: A 21-Year-Old Socialite's Rise to Infamy

Meet Lily Chee, the 21-year-old socialite who has been making headlines with her scandalous love life and enviable jet-set lifestyle. With over 1.6 million followers on Instagram, she appears to have it all - a gorgeous physique, a string of A-list relationships, and an effortless ability to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.

But behind the glamour and glitz, Chee's life is marred by controversy. From accusations of bullying and nepotism to being labeled a "homewrecker" for dating older men, this young socialite has become a lightning rod for criticism and fascination.

The 21-year-old former Brandy Melville model regularly brushes shoulders with A-listers and documents every moment on social media

Chee's rise to fame began when she was discovered in a grocery store at just nine years old, according to an interview with Galore. But it wasn't until she attended the prestigious Professional Children's School in Manhattan that her connections truly started to grow. With a tuition fee of $59,800 per year, this elite school is a breeding ground for young stars, and Chee was no exception.

However, not everyone is convinced that Chee's success is entirely merit-based. On Reddit, users who claim to have attended the same school as Chee describe her as a "notorious bully" who made their lives miserable during their time there. While these claims haven't been verified, they add to the growing narrative of Chee as a social climber who will stop at nothing to get ahead.

Chee's parents are often mentioned in the same breath as her controversies. Her father, Max Chee, is a successful venture capitalist with over two decades of experience under his belt. With an MBA from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a lucrative career in private equity and venture capital, he's certainly no ordinary dad.

Chee has 1.6 million Instagram followers

Chee's mother, Rebecca, on the other hand, is a stay-at-home mom to Chee and her two sisters. While she may not have a high-profile job, she clearly has connections in the right places - after all, the family owns multiple properties, including an apartment in the upscale Park Slope neighborhood.

Chee's own career as an influencer and actress is certainly impressive. She's modeled for top brands like Valentino, Dior, and Ralph Lauren, and has appeared in a string of TV shows and music videos. But it's her relationships that have truly catapulted her into the spotlight.

From hooking up with Spanish actor Fernando Lindez to dating basketball player Ben Simmons, Chee seems to have a type - older men with connections to the rich and famous. Her most high-profile romance, however, was with Tobey Maguire, who is 30 years her senior. Despite the significant age gap, Chee and Maguire were spotted together at multiple events, including Michael Rubin's star-studded Hamptons White Party.

While Chee has been labeled a socialite, she's closer to an influencer, with plenty of brand partnerships and acting credits to her name

The backlash was swift and merciless, with many labeling Chee a "homewrecker" for dating an older man who was still technically in a relationship with his ex-wife, Jennifer Meyer. Meyer herself was forced to speak out about the sighting, saying that Maguire was "as good of a guy as it gets." Ouch.

Chee's connections to A-listers like DiCaprio and Maguire have raised eyebrows, with many speculating that she met them through a seasoned promoter. Whatever the case, Chee's star is certainly on the rise - whether she's leaving a Paris club or lounging on a yacht in the South of France, her followers are paying attention to every move.

But as Chee basks in the spotlight, she's also facing growing criticism for her behavior. With allegations of bullying and nepotism swirling around her, it remains to be seen whether this young socialite can overcome the controversies that surround her. One thing's for sure - we'll be watching with bated breath.

Chee has become a fixture at fashion weeks all over the country

Sources:

  • Galore: Lily Chee on Being a Young Influencer
  • LinkedIn: Max Chee's profile

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Chee (right) was famously rumored to be dating Tobey Maguire (left) after she was spotted leaving Michael Rubin's star-studded Hamptons White Party with The Great Gatsby actor, despite an almost thirty year age difference