Supporter Pours Out Compassion toward TikToker Kayla Malec Following Announcement on Domestic Assault Verdict
TikTok superstar Kayla Malec, with a jaw-dropping 16.6 million followers, found herself in the spotlight this week as her abusive ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson, finally faced justice. Malec bravely disclosed Johnson's alleged abuse against her back in April, narrating a grueling nine-month ordeal in a series of heart-wrenching videos.
Her emotional testimonies featuring graphic depictions of injuries stirred sympathy from her devoted followers, who admired her raw vulnerability. Johnson's torturous tale soon became the latest gripping online sensation, causing some of her followers to unfortunately spread misinformation and polarize another content creator.
Johnson was officially charged on April 7, 2025, in Sumner County, Tennessee, according to Sumner County Courthouse records obtained by NBC News. On May 7, 2025, in court, he confessed to a domestic assault charge, and also a probation violation for a DUI. Johnson was slapped with a no-contact order with Malec and barred from operating TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook accounts under his name.
Malec elatedly shared the news via videos of herself outside a courthouse. "I'm like really happy right now," she sobbed, "... but I won. I won!" With Johnson now in custody, representatives for both individuals did not respond to requests for comment.
Before the court hearing, Malec documented her battle with anxiety and PTSD on TikTok. "This is the most depressed I've ever been in my life," she admitted in a video last month. Despite her emotional struggle, Malec believes sharing her experiences will help others who have experienced similar hardships.
"I know it will get better and I know the healing process takes a long time," she said, "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."
Malec's emotional jubilation videos garnered approximately 20 million likes on social media. Her peers, such as Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, and Jess DiTirro, joined in to congratulate her, alongside other prominent influencers and even Kesha, who once faced her own struggles.
"I'm so proud of you," Kesha wrote. "A win for one is a win for all of us." If you or someone you know is facing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence hotline for help at (800) 799-SAFE (7233), or go to www.thehotline.org for more. States often have domestic violence hotlines as well.
- Kayla Malec, a renowned figure in health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and mental-health discussions on social media, expressed her joy after her abusive ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson, was officially charged and barred from using social media platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.
- In her triumphant videos, Malec spoke about her ongoing struggle with anxiety and PTSD, demonstrating a strong commitment to both her own recovery and raising awareness for domestic violence victims, emphasizing the importance of healing for herself and others.
- As the news of Johnson's conviction spread, Malec received an outpouring of support from fellow influencers in the world of entertainment and health-and-wellness, such as Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, Jess DiTirro, and Kesha, who highlighted the significance of Malec's bravery in speaking out against domestic violence.