Lynn Ban, the charismatic Singaporean jewelry designer and star of Netflix’s Bling Empire, has tragically passed away at the age of 51. The news was confirmed by her son, Sebastian, who shared the heartfelt announcement on Instagram on Monday. He described his mother as his “best friend” and the “funniest and coolest mum ever.”
Ban’s death follows a difficult few weeks after she underwent brain surgery following a skiing accident on Christmas Eve in Aspen, United States. Despite the challenges of her recovery, Sebastian said his mother remained strong and smiled through it all.
“My mum passed away on Monday. I know she wanted to share her journey after her accident and brain surgery, so I thought she would appreciate one last post sharing the news to people who supported her,” he wrote. “She was a fighter until the end and is the strongest woman I know.”
Sebastian went on to honor his late mother, describing her as an extraordinary woman who cared deeply for her family. “She always had a smile on her face even when times were tough during her recovery process,” he wrote, adding that he would continue to celebrate her life and ensure she would never be forgotten. His post ended with a touching tribute: “I will miss you forever… ‘I love you more than life itself.’”
Ban’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow celebrities. Rihanna, who was a close friend, paid her respects in a moving comment: “Lynn, you will always be our fairy godmother! Love you forever and always! Can’t believe I’m writing this in a comment section rn! Thank you for all the joy you brought to us.”
Born in Singapore, Lynn Ban was renowned for her striking jewelry designs, which gained international acclaim. Her creations have been worn by some of the world’s biggest stars, including Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Billie Eilish and host of others. Ban’s designs were known for their bold, avant-garde aesthetic, making her a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities.
In addition to her successful career as a designer, Ban was a prominent cast member of Bling Empire: New York, a reality show that premiered in 2023. The series followed a group of Asian American socialites living in New York, who flaunted their fortunes and high-fashion lifestyles while navigating personal drama.