Kayla Malec, a major TikTok personality with 16.6 million followers and nearly 1.8 million YouTube subscribers, received a wave of support online this week after her ex-boyfriend, Evan Johnson, pleaded guilty to domestic assault.

She first spoke publicly about the abuse in April, sharing a series of raw, emotional videos on TikTok detailing their nine-month relationship.

Her content, which included images and clips of the injuries she said Johnson inflicted, prompted an outpouring of empathy and praise from followers who admired her openness and strength.

Malec’s story quickly became a social media flashpoint. Supporters rallied to her side, with some users going further — spreading misinformation and targeting another influencer they claimed was connected to Johnson.

According to Sumner County Courthouse records obtained by NBC News, Johnson was charged with domestic assault on April 7 in Sumner County, Tennessee. On Wednesday, Malec posted from outside the courthouse, declaring, “Justice was served.”

“I’m like really happy right now, I’m going to probably start sobbing,” she said in another video, “… but I won. I won!”

Court documents confirm Johnson pleaded guilty to domestic assault and was ordered to have no contact with Malec. He’s also banned from using TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook under any personal account. In addition, he pleaded guilty to violating probation related to a prior DUI.

A court representative confirmed Johnson is in custody. Reps for both Malec and Johnson did not respond to requests for comment on Friday.

Leading up to the hearing, Malec shared videos chronicling her emotional state. She described experiencing anxiety, PTSD, and deep depression in the aftermath of going public.

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

“This is the most depressed I’ve ever been in my life,” she said in a video posted last month.“… I know it will get better and I know the healing process takes a long time. And there are days when I feel really good and there are days when I wake up … and I don’t want to get out of bed for the rest of the day.”

Despite it all, she said she kept posting to reach others who’ve faced similar abuse. “The one thing that’s keeping my head up and getting me out of bed is knowing that I’m doing this for a reason and that I’m doing this to help ya’ll,” she explained.

Her triumphant videos collected around 20 million likes. Well-known influencers like Haylee Kalil, Jacob Sartorius, and Jess DiTirro jumped into the comments to show support.

Singer Kesha also weighed in. She famously brought abuse allegations against former producer Dr. Luke, who has denied all claims and was never charged. In 2023, they reached a legal settlement over his defamation lawsuit concerning the accusation.

“I’m so proud of you,” Kesha wrote. “A win for one is a win for all of us.”