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Influencer Evan Johnson Arrested Following Abuse Case Involving Kayla Malec; Questions Swirl Around James Charles

By James Seidel | CC News Network | May 8, 2025

SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. — Influencer Evan Johnson was taken into custody on Tuesday following a months-long domestic violence case brought against him by fellow content creator Kayla Malec. The arrest, which came at the conclusion of a hearing in Sumner County Court, marks a turning point in a high-profile case that has gripped social media platforms for nearly a year and ignited broader conversations about abuse, accountability, and the blurred lines between personal conduct and online persona.

Johnson’s arrest on May 7 follows a previous charge for domestic assault and probation violation in April. According to court documents, Tuesday’s hearing marked the final stage of a legal battle stemming from a nine-month ordeal Malec documented in part on social media, where she built a significant following by candidly discussing her experience.

While the court has yet to release formal sentencing details, both Malec and Johnson confirmed the outcome via their social media accounts. Malec, visibly emotional, shared a TikTok video stating, “Justice has been served.”

@kaylamalecc i’ve never felt so happy. so strong. #fyp ♬ original sound – kayla

A Case Shaped by Social Media

The Evan Johnson-Malec case stands out not only for its content but for the medium in which it played out. Malec’s use of TikTok and Instagram to share courtroom updates and personal reflections helped galvanize public support and gave visibility to issues of emotional and physical abuse—topics that are often hidden behind closed doors.

Throughout the proceedings, Evan Johnson made a series of conflicting public statements. At times, he appeared to admit wrongdoing; at others, he dismissed Malec’s allegations as exaggerated. These contradictions fueled online debate over victim credibility, performative contrition, and the influence of social media in shaping narratives around abuse.

Hashtags such as #JusticeForKayla and #StandWithSurvivors trended across platforms like TikTok and X, formerly Twitter. Musicians, influencers, and everyday followers rallied behind Malec, sharing messages of solidarity and disclosing their own stories of survival.

“This wasn’t just Kayla’s fight,” one commenter wrote. “It became a symbol for every woman who’s ever been dismissed, gaslit, or ignored.”

The James Charles Connection

The case has also dragged in other online personalities—most notably beauty influencer James Charles, whose name began trending alongside Johnson’s following cryptic mentions and speculative posts. While Charles has not been accused of any wrongdoing, questions remain about his alleged friendship with Evan Johnson and whether he offered support or enabled problematic behavior behind the scenes.

CC News Network has reached out to representatives for Charles for comment but has not received a response as of publication.

A Broader Reckoning for Influencer Culture

Malec’s victory has been celebrated as a watershed moment in the ongoing reckoning within online creator spaces. Her story has reignited calls for platforms to do more to monitor the behavior of influencers, particularly those with large followings among young audiences.

This media company and its publisher, for example, are subjected to a constant barrage of defamation, harassment, and daily acts of libel on social media—often carried out by individuals hiding behind anonymous accounts.

In the digital age, false accusations, harassment, and cyberbullying often come cloaked behind fake screen names and anonymous accounts. But despite what many believe, anonymity is not a guarantee of protection from legal consequences.

Victims of online defamation and harassment are increasingly fighting back in court — and winning. South Carolina law, like many states, provides powerful tools for individuals to pursue both criminal charges and civil lawsuits against those who spread lies and cause harm online.

Even if the perpetrator’s real identity is unknown at first, victims have a clear legal pathway to seek justice.

Advocates say the case highlights the growing responsibility of social media companies to address allegations of misconduct, even when they occur off-screen.

“Influence comes with accountability,” said Ashley Reyna, a domestic violence awareness advocate based in Nashville. “When creators profit from public trust, they should be held to a higher standard—not shielded by fame.”

For Malec, the journey is far from over, but the latest development signals a long-awaited measure of closure. “This isn’t the end,” she posted Tuesday evening. “But it’s a new beginning—for me, and for anyone who needs to know they’re not alone.”

Follow CC News Network for continuing coverage on this case and more stories shaping the digital age.

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The CC News Network is a distinguished media company in the world of South Carolina News, Weather, South Carolina Sports, and True Crime. In the beginning, James Seidel was only known as Crime and Cask and well known for his relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the Alex Murdaugh trial. As a journalist, author, and investigator, he has made significant contributions to uncovering some of the most complex and high-profile criminal cases.