Kayla Malec Wins Historic Domestic Violence Case Against Evan Johnson as James Charles Denies Relationship With Her Abuser

Trigger Warning: This article contains references to domestic violence. If you or someone you know has been affected by domestic violence, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or a crisis hotline.

Kayla Malec’s long fight for justice reached a powerful conclusion on May 7, 2025. The 20-year-old TikTok influencer, who has over 14 million followers, won her case against ex-boyfriend Evan Johnson in a Tennessee courtroom. The decision was celebrated by her supporters, who had followed her journey closely.

Malec first shared her story on April 4 in a two-hour YouTube video titled “He Doesn’t Love You.” In it, she detailed physical and emotional abuse during their nine-month relationship. She spoke about being punched, choked, and emotionally degraded.

The response was immediate. Police arrested Johnson for domestic violence and parole violations just three days after the video dropped. Malec’s powerful storytelling and visible evidence of abuse rallied millions of online followers.

Kayla Malec: The Abuse Timeline

It all began in August 2024, when Malec visited Johnson in Nashville. She said the first incident of physical assault happened during that trip. Johnson, intoxicated, allegedly attacked her and left her bruised. 

The violence escalated over the following months. By January 2025, after enduring repeated abuse, Malec ended the relationship. After months of reflection and recovery, she decided to go public. Her April 4 video was a turning point — both for her healing and for Johnson’s legal troubles.

Kayla Malec Reacts to Her Victory

Malec’s supporters were instrumental in amplifying her voice. Hashtags like #JusticeForKayla flooded TikTok and Instagram. Petitions called for accountability. The court of public opinion was firmly in her corner.

Another woman, Teaghan Campbell, came forward during the investigation. She claimed Johnson abused her in 2022. Her story helped support Malec’s claims and revealed a pattern of violent behavior.

Though Johnson denied all charges and posted videos defending himself, the weight of evidence and public scrutiny mounted. Authorities arrested him again on April 17 for undisclosed reasons, deepening the legal case against him.

The verdict was announced on May 7. Malec responded with a short TikTok video: “And just like that, justice was served.” Smiling through tears, she added, “I’m, like, really happy right now. I’ll probably start sobbing.” The post quickly went viral.

James Charles Addresses Rumors About Evan Johnson

As the case gained national attention, beauty influencer James Charles was dragged into the story. Rumors circulated online suggesting he had a sexual relationship with Johnson. On May 7, Charles shut those claims down in a firm TikTok video.

“We did not have s*x, and I never paid him for any s*xual favors,” Charles said. “I do not support Evan Johnson in any way, shape, or form.”

He clarified that their friendship was brief and that he distanced himself after hearing about the abuse allegations. Charles also tried to contact Malec to clarify his role, but she didn’t respond. He said he understood why. “Frankly, I don’t f**cking blame her,” he added.

James Charles Denounces False Claims

Charles called out YouTuber Markos Bitsakakis (Bee Better) and Johnson’s former friend Zack Sellars for claiming on YouTube that he and Johnson were romantically involved. He called the interview “complete bullsh*t” and said they had no evidence to support their claims. Charles also said he plans to take legal action against those spreading lies.

On May 6, the day before the verdict, Charles had already posted a strong statement: “I DO NOT SUPPORT EVAN JOHNSON.” After Malec won the case, he reiterated his support for her and the importance of justice. For Malec, the trial marked the end of a long and painful chapter. But her courage has inspired thousands. She shared the darkest parts of her experience and turned her pain into power.

Her story is now part of a broader movement for domestic abuse survivors — a reminder that speaking out matters, and justice is possible.

Also Read: Former Housekeepers Accuse Smokey Robinson of Sexual Assault in $50M Lawsuit