Kayla Malec, Influencer, Celebrates Victory in Domestic Assault Case Against Ex-Boyfriend Evan Johnson
Kayla Malec, a prominent influencer, took to TikTok on Wednesday, May 7, to announce her victory in a domestic assault case against her ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson. The 15-second clip, filmed outside the Sumner County courthouse in Tennessee, featured Malec singing the lyrics to Kanye West’s song “Jail,” mouthing “Guess who’s going to jail tonight.”
"I WON," the influencer captioned the video, adding "I’M SOBBING. FOR US. WE DID IT. WE DID IT." The post rapidly gained traction, amassing over 1.7 million likes within an hour and subsequently exceeding 85 million views.
Malec’s followers had been closely following her case since she publicly disclosed her experience with domestic abuse in April. Her decision to share her story resonated with her audience, offering a powerful message to young women facing similar situations.
The comments section of the video overflowed with messages of support and solidarity. One TikTok user wrote, “All of the girls who never got justice for their abusers are sobbing while we clap so loudly for you.” Celebrities such as singer Jacob Sartorius and pop star Kesha also expressed their support. Sartorius commented, “KAYLA YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU,” followed by a series of red heart emojis. Kesha added, “I’m so proud of you. A win for one is a win for all of us.”
In a subsequent video, Malec declared, “And just like that, justice was served,” expressing her elation with the outcome. "I’m like really happy right now."
While Malec did not respond to requests for comment, the Sumner County Sheriffs Office confirmed that Johnson, also an influencer, received an 18-month jail sentence for a DUI and violation of probation, followed by 11 months and 29 days of probation for the domestic assault charge. Johnson was initially arrested on April 6 and released on bail the same day. Court records identified Kayla Malec as the victim.
Melvin Williams, associate professor of communication and media studies at Pace University, emphasizes the significance of Malec’s videos in initiating conversations about domestic violence, particularly among young women. "When a celebrity discloses abusive experiences of any kind, floodgates gush as fellow survivors enhance the celebrity’s public conversations with their own stories, complex perspectives and healing resources," Williams stated.
Earlier in April, Malec released two YouTube videos titled “he doesn’t love you,” detailing her experiences in an abusive relationship that lasted nine months. In the videos, which spanned four hours, she alleged that her ex-boyfriend, whom she identified only as Evan, attempted to kill her on multiple occasions. The videos contained real-time recordings of the physical and emotional abuse she endured.
In a note posted to her Instagram and TikTok accounts, directing followers to the YouTube videos, Malec wrote, “I will never be able to forget the scars left. i will never be the same girl i was before this. the same man who will look you in the eyes and say ‘i love you’ & then attempt to kill you is an experience i hope nobody ever has to live.”
Malec and Johnson reportedly met through a mutual friend in May 2024. At that time, Johnson resided in Tennessee, while Malec lived in California. She stated in the YouTube video that the abuse began in August and continued through January of 2025.
“This is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to talk about in my life,” she shared in the first video, explaining that she hoped to prevent other women from experiencing similar abuse by sharing her story. “At the end of the day this isn’t about me, this is such a bigger picture to what millions of women go through.”
“I can’t express how much a video like this would have saved me,” she added. “If I would have stayed in this situation, I would have died.”
The statistics on intimate partner violence are alarming. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, intimate partner violence affects more than 12 million people every year. One in four women and one in seven men aged 18 and older in the U.S. have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
Williams asserts that the series of videos exposed the harsh reality of her alleged intimate partner violence, fears of murder, suicidal ideations, and violence she experienced, dismantling the facade of the couple’s online presence.
The situation was further complicated by allegations involving beauty influencer James Charles. Influencer BeeBetter (Markos Bitsakakis) posted a YouTube interview with Zach Sellers, the ex–best friend of Evan Johnson, in which Sellers claimed that Johnson had a romantic relationship with Charles.
Charles addressed the rumors in a May 7 TikTok video, denying any romantic involvement with Johnson. He stated that they shared a “brief friendship” and emphasized his condemnation of Johnson’s actions.
“I do not support Evan Johnson in any way, shape or form,” Charles said in the video. “I don’t support him, I don’t support violence against women, and I sure as hell do not support the disgusting, deplorable, heinous acts he (allegedly) committed against Kayla Malec behind closed doors.”
Charles also mentioned that he had attempted to contact Malec, who was “unwilling” to speak with him, and that he planned to pursue legal action against Sellers.
Malec responded briefly to a comment directing her to Charles’ video, writing: “i saw! respectfully im making today about WINNING. FOR US. FOR US💜 WE DID IT WE DID IT.”
Williams believes that as online influencers continue to showcase their relationships online, Malec’s “he doesn’t love you” videos will serve as a valuable resource for community discussion and protection for survivors of intimate partner violence.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline advises those who wish to support survivors of domestic abuse to listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and respect their boundaries. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
