Evan Johnson Arrested on Charge of Domestic Assault Days After Ex Kayla Malec Claimed to Be in an Abusive Relationship

May 3, 2025: Influencer Evan Johnson was arrested on April 7, 2025, in Sumner County, Tennessee, on charges of domestic assault and violating probation. He was released on bail the same day. The victim’s identity was not disclosed at the time of his arrest. However, on April 25, PEOPLE confirmed that Kayla Malec, Johnson’s ex-girlfriend, was named the victim in the case, with a court hearing scheduled for May 7.

Kayla Malec

In early April, Kayla Malec, a 20-year-old TikTok star with over 14 million followers, shared a series of emotional videos and a two-hour YouTube documentary detailing her experience in an abusive relationship lasting nine months. While she did not explicitly name her abuser, she referred to him as “Evan,” leading to widespread speculation that Johnson was the individual she was accusing. Malec described instances of physical violence, including being punched and choked, and recounted an incident where she alleges Johnson tried to kill her.

Impact on Malec’s Mental Health

Malec has been open about the toll the abuse has taken on her mental health. She reported experiencing severe anxiety and depression, with symptoms such as daily panic attacks and flashbacks. Despite these challenges, she emphasized her commitment to using her platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and support others in similar situations.

Additional Allegations

Following Johnson’s arrest, a second woman, Teaghan Campbell, came forward with allegations of abuse during a five-month relationship with him in 2022. Campbell shared her experiences on TikTok, stating that she went through similar abusive behaviors as Malec. Johnson has not publicly responded to these new allegations.

Legal Proceedings

Evan Johnson is scheduled to appear in court on May 7, 2025, in Sumner County, Tennessee, to face the charges of domestic assault and probation violation. Kayla Malec has expressed a mix of anxiety and anticipation about returning to Nashville for the hearing, her first visit since the alleged abuse. She remains committed to her mission of helping others by sharing her story.