In April 2025, TikTok influencer Kayla Malec made shocking revelations about her ex-boyfriend Evan Johnson, accusing him of sustained domestic abuse over a 9-month relationship. What followed was a mix of legal consequences, public outrage, and deep conversations on mental health, social media responsibility, and intimate partner violence.
This article gives you a comprehensive, date-by-date breakdown of the case, reactions from other creators, mental health implications, and social context — while meeting Google’s E-E-A-T and SEO standards.
📅 Timeline of Events
🗓 August 9, 2024: Relationship Begins
Kayla and Evan reportedly began dating in August 2024. By all outward appearances, they were a happy social media couple — but behind the scenes, Kayla claims she experienced verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.
🗓 April 1, 2025: Kayla Breaks Her Silence
In a two-hour YouTube documentary, Kayla Malec opened up about her abusive relationship. She alleged:
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Physical assaults, including being grabbed and hit.
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Mental manipulation, gaslighting, and fear.
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A shocking incident where her jaw was broken, allegedly by Evan during a fight.
She described the relationship as “horrifyingly toxic” and emotionally exhausting.
🗓 April 7, 2025: Evan Johnson Arrested
Days after her video went viral, Evan Johnson was arrested in Sumner County, Tennessee. Charges included:
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Domestic assault
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Violation of probation
He was booked and released the same day on a $60,000 bond.
🗓 April 10, 2025: Court Documents Confirm Victim Identity
Court records confirmed Kayla Malec as the named victim in the criminal case against Evan Johnson. This added legal weight to the accusations and validated Kayla’s claims for many of her supporters.
🗓 April 25, 2025: Kayla Speaks on Mental Health
On TikTok, Kayla released a video describing her daily mental battles:
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Severe anxiety
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Panic attacks every morning
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
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Emotional triggers from memories of Nashville (where abuse allegedly occurred)
She called the experience a “living nightmare”, but emphasized that sharing her story was a way to empower survivors.
🗓 May 7, 2025: Court Hearing
Kayla attended Evan Johnson’s court hearing on May 7, 2025, despite her trauma being tied to Nashville. She documented her journey publicly, stating:
“This is the first time I’ve been back in this city since everything happened. I’m here for justice and healing.”
🧠 The Mental Health Impact
Kayla’s story underscores how domestic violence affects not just the body, but also the mind.
Key takeaways:
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Many victims suppress or justify the abuse due to emotional dependency.
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Public backlash can lead to re-traumatization.
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Legal proceedings can trigger flashbacks and fear, especially for survivors of trauma.
🌐 Social Media Reactions
This case sparked widespread reactions across platforms:
👤 Influencer Fallout
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James Charles, who was seen interacting with Evan online, lost thousands of followers after being accused of ignoring Kayla’s abuse claims.
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Many other creators were forced to clarify their ties to Evan or publicly condemn him.
🧾 Support for Kayla
The #JusticeForKayla hashtag began trending on TikTok, with creators and fans alike sharing messages of solidarity.
“We believe you, Kayla. No one deserves to go through this.” — user @empathqueen
⚖️ The Legal Path Ahead
Evan Johnson may face the following:
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A trial for domestic assault
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Probation revocation, which could lead to jail time
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Potential civil lawsuits if Kayla pursues damages
Court updates are ongoing, and Kayla has stated she will continue cooperating with the justice system.
📢 Resources for Victims of Abuse
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence:
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National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233
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Website: thehotline.org
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Services: Free, confidential, available 24/7 in multiple languages
🧾 Conclusion
The Kayla Malec and Evan Johnson case is more than just an internet drama — it’s a reflection of how abuse hides in plain sight, even in seemingly perfect relationships. Kayla’s brave decision to speak up not only sheds light on an individual case but inspires other survivors to come forward.
As this legal battle unfolds, one thing is clear: social media isn’t just for dance trends and viral jokes — it’s a platform for truth, healing, and justice.
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