Social media user Kayla Malec experiences an outpouring of sympathy following her public disclosure of the verdict in her domestic assault case.
A renowned social media star, Kayla Malec, garnered an outpouring of support online this week after her ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson, admitted to assaulting her in court. Famous for her large following on TikTok (16.6 million) and YouTube (almost 1.8 million subscribers), Malec bravely shared her harrowing nine-month relationship with Johnson in April, posting a series of raw, emotional videos detailing the abuse she endured.
These videos, which sometimes included visual evidence of her injuries, evoked sympathy from many followers, who praised her bravery and vulnerability. Her story became a riveting online saga, with some fans spreading misinformation and attacking another creator falsely linked to Johnson.
Officials in Sumner County, Tennessee charged Johnson with domestic assault on April 7, 2025, according to Sumner County Courthouse records obtained by NBC News. On May 7, 2025, Johnson pleaded guilty to the assault charge and was also ordered to stay away from Malec, as well as to cease using TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook under his name. He also pleaded guilty to a probation violation for a DUI[1][2][3].
Following the hearing, Malec shared her joy on TikTok, stating, "I'm like really happy right now... but I won! I won!" Johnson is currently in custody, with representatives from both Malec and Johnson remaining unresponsive to requests for comment[1][2][3].
In anticipation of the hearing, Malec shared her emotional state on TikTok, revealing that she's struggled with anxiety and PTSD since coming forward. Despite this, she continues to post to help others in similar situations.
"The one thing that's keeping my head up and getting me out of bed is knowing that I'm doing this for a reason and that I'm doing this to help ya'll," she stated[4].
Her victorious videos on TikTok amassed approximately 20 million likes, with fellow influencers like Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, Jess DiTirro, and Kesha offering congratulations[4]. Kesha, who has her own history of abuse allegations against a former producer, wrote, "I'm so proud of you... A win for one is a win for all of us."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence hotline for help at (800) 799-SAFE (7233), or visit www.thehotline.org for more information. Many states also have domestic violence hotlines available.
[1] Court records reveal details of Kayla Malec's domestic assault case
[2] Evan Johnson pleads guilty to domestic assault against Kayla Malec
[3] Johnson ordered to cease social media use following guilty plea
[4] Kayla Malec's emotions prior to court hearing
- Johnston's ex-girlfriend, Kayla Malec, faced assault charges from Johnston which they admitted to in court.
- On TikTok, Malec, known for her health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise content, shared her nine-month ordeal with Johnston, detailing the abuse she endured.
- The misinformation and attacks on an unrelated creator became a part of the clickbait surrounding Malec's story.
- In court records obtained by NBC News, Johnson was charged with domestic assault on April 7, 2025, and pleaded guilty to the charge on May 7, 2025.
- After the court hearing, Malec celebrated her victory on TikTok, expressing her joy and victory over the attacker.
- Malec publicly struggled with anxiety and PTSD since sharing her story, yet she persisted in posting to help others in similar situations.
- Other influencers like Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, Jess DiTirro, and Kesha, who has her own history of allegations related to crime-and-justice issues, offered their condolences and support on TikTok.
