Kayla Malec case: TikToker receives massive support after ex pleads guilty to domestic assault
Kayla Malec, who shared her story of abuse with her 16.6 million TikTok followers, announced the court’s verdict in an emotional video outside the Tennessee courthouse.
TikTok influencer Kayla Malec has received an outpouring of support online following the resolution of a domestic violence case involving her former partner. Evan Johnson, her ex-boyfriend, pleaded guilty to domestic assault this week in Sumner County, Tennessee, after months of public allegations shared by Malec on her platforms.
Malec, who has amassed over 16.6 million followers on TikTok and nearly 1.8 million subscribers on YouTube, first detailed her experiences in April through a series of candid and emotional videos. The content included images and footage of injuries she attributed to Johnson, sparking widespread empathy and praise from her followers for her openness and bravery.
Court ruling and online reaction
According to court documents, Johnson pleaded guilty on Wednesday and was ordered to have no contact with Malec. He is also prohibited from operating social media accounts under his name on TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook. In addition, Johnson pleaded guilty to violating his probation in a separate DUI case. A court representative confirmed that Johnson is currently in custody.
Following the court hearing, Malec posted celebratory videos outside the courthouse, saying, “I won!” Her posts have since garnered more than 20 million likes collectively. Public figures including influencers Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, and Jess DiTirro, along with singer Kesha, publicly congratulated her. “I’m so proud of you. One person’s victory is everyone’s victory,” Kesha wrote in a comment.
Mental health, advocacy, and continued impact
Leading up to the court date, Malec used her platform to document her emotional journey, including anxiety and symptoms of PTSD. “I’ve never felt this low in my life,” she admitted in a recent video. “There are days I wake up and I can’t even get out of bed.”
Despite her struggles, Malec emphasized that her motivation to share her story comes from a desire to support others who have faced similar trauma. “The only thing keeping my head up is knowing I’m doing this for a reason—and that’s to help all of you,” she told her audience.
Malec’s story has become a powerful example of how social media can serve as a platform for advocacy, healing, and community support in the aftermath of abuse.
