A Maryland hairstylist has been sentenced to five years in jail after a shocking incident where she was seen dragging a 15-year-old girl by her hair, following a dispute over payment for hair services. The assault, which was captured on video and spread rapidly across social media platforms, has drawn widespread condemnation and legal repercussions.
Viral Video Captures Disturbing Salon Altercation
Jayla Cunningham, a 19-year-old hairstylist, was convicted of second-degree assault in November for the physical altercation that occurred in March at her hair salon. The footage, which Cunningham originally posted herself, shows her pulling the teenager by her hair and hood, forcibly returning her to the salon while shouting aggressively.
In the clip, Cunningham can be heard using explicit language, threatening the girl and stating, 'Sit right here until somebody sends it', referring to the payment. She then proceeds to cut the weave out of the teen's hair, claiming the client had not paid for the $150 hairstyle.
Client's Mother Claims Payment Error Led to Escalation
The mother of the 15-year-old girl has explained that her daughter accidentally sent the payment to the wrong Cash App handle and was attempting to resolve the mistake before the situation turned violent. 'It's just absolutely absurd,' the mother told reporters, noting that the video has gone viral nationwide and has deeply affected her daughter emotionally.
She described her child as 'not good at all' in dealing with the aftermath, highlighting the psychological impact of the public exposure and the assault itself.
Legal Consequences and Civil Lawsuit Proceedings
Cunningham, who claimed she was unaware the client was a minor at the time of the incident, expressed surprise at being charged, stating she only learned about it when approached by a journalist. Since the video gained traction, she has reported receiving death threats and has relocated her salon for safety reasons.
The girl's family has hired legal representation from Jackson and Associates Law Firm to pursue a civil lawsuit. De'Aja Thompson, a lawyer with the firm, commented on the severity of the case, saying, 'The video is horrendous. It's a 15-year-old girl, we're talking about someone's child here. A child who is being dragged across a salon floor by her jacket over something as simple as a mistake.'
Wider Implications and Public Reaction
This case has sparked discussions about appropriate conduct in service industries and the legal boundaries of handling payment disputes. The violent response to a potential misunderstanding over payment has been criticised as disproportionate, with many emphasising the need for de-escalation and professional behaviour.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly conflicts can spiral out of control and the lasting effects they can have on all parties involved, particularly when amplified through social media.
