Scroll through Lily Chee’s Instagram, and you’d think her life was a movie.
Sun-soaked yacht trips, exotic getaways, designer outfits, and a glittering circle of equally beautiful friends — it’s all there, carefully captured for her 1.6 million followers.
At just 21, the former Brandy Melville model has built a reputation for rubbing elbows with Hollywood names while juggling college classes, endless travels, and a steady stream of headline-making sightings.
But behind the glossy feed lies a swirl of drama — from accusations of bullying to whispers of nepotism and even “homewrecking” scandals.
From Child Model to Gen Z’s “It” Girl
Chee’s journey began almost by accident — she was discovered in a grocery store at just nine years old.
Over time, she gathered a loyal following of young women who were drawn to her enviable lifestyle and connections to popular influencer circles, including friends of Dance Moms alum Kenzie Ziegler.
But it was a 2024 summer party in the Hamptons that pushed her into a new level of notoriety.
Spotted with Spider-Man actor Tobey Maguire at Michael Rubin’s famous White Party, Chee suddenly became a favorite subject of celebrity gossip blogs and Reddit threads.
A Year of High-Profile Links
The past few months alone have kept her name in constant circulation.
Fans — and critics — have linked her to a string of famous men, including Cha Cha Matcha founder Matthew Morton (who once dated Sofia Richie), rapper Yeat, DJ Diplo, and rapper ASAP Nast.
Each sighting fuels the fascination over how Chee manages to move seamlessly between New York social circles, European club scenes, and luxury brand events.
The Privileged Yet Private Upbringing
For all the “nepo baby” chatter, Chee’s family doesn’t come from entertainment royalty.
Her father, Max Chee, is a successful Chinese-Malaysian venture capitalist, while her Irish-Scottish mother, Rebecca, is a stay-at-home mom to Lily and her two sisters.
The family’s resources afforded Lily a comfortable start — including tuition at Manhattan’s elite Professional Children’s School, where alumni include Sarah Jessica Parker, the Culkin siblings, and Christina Ricci.
They also own multiple properties, including an upscale Park Slope apartment in Brooklyn.
That financial cushion likely helped her focus on building her brand — even if her parents weren’t directly in showbiz.
Rumors From School to Stardom
Social media sleuths claim that Chee wasn’t exactly beloved in her school days, with some accusing her of being a “notorious bully.”
Alleged messages have surfaced online, though none have been officially verified.
Despite the speculation, Chee hasn’t publicly addressed these claims.
Career Credits Overshadowed by Headlines
While many know her for her relationships, Chee does have an actual résumé.
She’s appeared in Daredevil as Young Elektra, guest-starred in New Amsterdam and Chicken Girls, featured in The Kid Laroi’s music video, and modeled for luxury names like Valentino, Dior, Calvin Klein, and Ralph Lauren.
Still, her romantic history often steals the spotlight.
She openly posted about a fling with Spanish actor Fernando Lindez in 2022 — even though he reportedly had a girlfriend — and was linked to basketball player Ben Simmons the same year.
The Tobey Maguire Saga
Perhaps her most talked-about connection remains Tobey Maguire.
The two were spotted leaving a party together in 2024, sparking “homewrecker” accusations due to the nearly 30-year age gap and Maguire’s status as a father to a then-17-year-old daughter.
The buzz got so intense that Maguire’s ex-wife, Jennifer Meyer, publicly defended him, calling him “as good of a guy as it gets.”
Rumor has it Chee met both Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio through a well-known party promoter — a theory that only adds to her mystique.
A Divisive Star on the Rise
Whether she’s stepping off a yacht in the South of France or leaving a Paris nightclub, Lily Chee has mastered the art of keeping eyes on her.
Loved, hated, envied, or criticized — she’s cemented herself as one of New York City’s most talked-about young women.
Her next move? If her track record is anything to go by, it will be photographed, posted, and endlessly dissected online.