In a distressing revelation, content creators Toby and Mikey Perryman-Payne have shared the harrowing experience of being drugged while on a night out in Los Angeles. The couple, who create lifestyle and DIY content under the platform “TobysHome,” took to TikTok on February 11 to recount the terrifying events of September 2024, which they described as a turning point in their lives.
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According to Toby, the couple visited West Hollywood for dinner before deciding to stop by a bar for a drink. However, after ordering just one drink, both fell unconscious, later awakening in an unfamiliar environment. “We ordered one drink and then completely blacked out,” Toby recalled. He described coming to in a strange location, disoriented and alarmed, only to discover that he had been stripped of his clothing.
In this alarming state, Toby found himself with a person he did not recognise and noticed weapons in the vicinity, although he did not divulge further details regarding that aspect. His immediate concern, however, was for his husband, Mikey. Toby said, “I was obviously just really scared about what was happening and where Mikey was.” Driven by fear and a sense of urgency, he managed to persuade the unknown individual to leave the room with him to locate Mikey.
What Toby discovered was equally distressing; Mikey was found on a sofa, alongside another individual, both appearing to be in a drug-induced stupor. “Toby sprang into action and basically managed to save us and get us out of this apartment,” Mikey later stated, highlighting Toby’s bravery in a moment of peril.
The emotional aftermath of this episode proved to be overwhelming for both. In their TikTok post, they candidly expressed the struggle they faced in processing the violation they had endured. Toby admitted that he grappled with feelings of shame and embarrassment, unsure of how to articulate the trauma. He stated, “I honestly felt embarrassed and ashamed about what happened, like it was my fault.”
Besides grappling with their emotional well-being, the experience forced the couple to reconsider their lifestyle choices. The pair made the difficult decision to cease drinking alcohol and attended fewer social events to regain a sense of safety and control. Despite this, Toby reassured viewers of their intent to reclaim their lives, stating, “We’re taking control of our life, and we’re not letting stupid idiots like that ruin our existence.”
In the video, Mikey reflected on the impact the incident had on their mental health and how it led to increased anxiety and withdrawal from social interactions. “It took a long time for us both to properly acknowledge what had happened,” he explained. Their openness about their struggle is intended to destigmatise the feelings of shame that often accompany such traumatic experiences.
In their TikTok caption, the duo reinforced their commitment to transparency, declaring that they never envisioned sharing such personal details online but felt compelled to do so in hopes of reaching others who might be suffering in silence. “We’re choosing to move forward with openness instead of fear,” they wrote. They hoped that their story would resonate with others, reminding victims that their feelings are valid, and that healing takes time.
The Perryman-Payne couple concluded the video with an optimistic outlook, expressing enthusiasm for an upcoming holiday they planned as a step towards restoring their joy and normalcy. “We just want to get back into the swing of our real life,” Toby remarked, underscoring their determination to move forward despite past trauma.
As the couple continues to navigate their recovery, their decision to share their story highlights the importance of addressing issues surrounding consent and mental health. The support they receive online may provide solace to countless others who have faced similar experiences, affirming the notion that no one should ever suffer in silence.