A Maryland hairstylist is facing a charge of second-degree assault after a video captured her dragging a teenage client across a salon floor for allegedly trying to walk out of her appointment without paying. The stylist, identified as 18-year-old Jayla Cunningham, took to social media to share the now-viral altercation that occurred on March 2. The footage shows Cunningham pulling the young client by her hood and throwing her on the ground after the client allegedly attempted to leave without settling the $150 service fee, as reported by Washington D.C. outlet FOX 5.
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In the video, Cunningham can be heard instructing her client to stay put until the payment was made, with escalating tensions evident in her tone. She is captured saying, “You just tried to f—— run. You lucky I ain’t beat the s— out you,” before proceeding to cut the weave she had installed out of the teenager’s hair. According to the hairstylist, she resorted to dragging the client back inside as she believed the payment would not be made if she had not taken such action. However, the teen’s mother told FOX 5 that her daughter mistakenly sent the money to the wrong account and was attempting to resolve the error.
In response to the incident, Cunningham faces a second-degree assault charge, a development confirmed by court records accessed by PEOPLE. While it remains unclear whether she has sought legal representation, Cunningham affirmed to FOX 5 that she has a witness supporting her version of events. Subsequent to the video gaining widespread attention, the hairstylist disclosed the receipt of death threats, necessitating a relocation of her salon. On the client’s side, the family has engaged the services of Jackson and Associates, a law firm based in Upper Marlboro, to advocate for the teenager.
Attorney De’Aja Thompson, representing the client, condemned the incident as “horrendous,” stressing the age of the teenager involved. Thompson articulated the gravity of the situation, underscoring that a minor had endured physical and psychological harm stemming from what transpired as a mistake. The lawyer further expressed concerns over individuals resorting to vigilante justice, emphasising the repercussions it could have on both parties involved. In a statement to PEOPLE, Thompson underscored the avoidable nature of the clash and the negative implications it had on the individuals at the centre of the incident.
Addressing the emotional toll on the client, her mother voiced disbelief at the situation, deeming it “absolutely absurd.” She highlighted the widespread attention the incident had attracted, indicating the widespread impact of the purported assault. As for how her daughter was coping emotionally, the distressed mother revealed that the teenager was faring poorly. Cunningham, in an update shared on her social media platform, assured her followers of her well-being, expressing gratitude for their support. Notably, Cunningham is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary inquiry on April 18, according to court documents reviewed by PEOPLE.