Aubreigh Wyatt's Mom Speaks Out After Social Media Ban Lifted
Mississippi mom Heather Wyatt made a heartfelt return to social media on Thursday, after a judge lifted a ban that had silenced her accounts during a dramatic legal and public struggle involving her late daughter Aubreigh, who died by suicide last year, aged 13.
In a poignant video posted on her newly restored TikTok, Wyatt addressed her supporters with raw emotion. "I have cried so much today and I'm not a crier," she began, her voice choked with gratitude. She expressed profound thanks for the unwavering support she and her family received.
"You guys fought for my baby when I couldn't," she said.
"You fought for us, you fought for our rights, you fought for what needed to happen, and you wanted to right a wrong." Her post had been viewed over 6.7 million times as of Monday morning.
It was Wyatt's first post after Chancery Court Judge Mark Maples ruled to reinstate her account last Thursday afternoon.
The Biloxi Sun Herald reported that, during Thursday's hearing, Maples requested that Child Protective Services investigate the safety of all minor children involved, including Wyatt's daughter and son and the four girls accused of bullying her. About 75 supporters gathered outside the courthouse to support her, cheering and hugging her when she walked out.
After Aubreigh's death in September 2023, Wyatt began posting on TikTok to express her grief and to raise awareness about bullying and mental health. In the posts she claimed her daughter had been a victim of severe cyberbullying by peers at Ocean Springs Middle School. The posts amassed millions of views.
However, in June the parents of four teenage girls accused of bullying Aubreigh filed a lawsuit against Wyatt accusing her of slander, defamation, and negligence. They denied that their children bullied Aubreigh and claimed they faced online harassment as a result of her posts. The complaint noted that the initial investigation into Aubreigh's death by local authorities found the bullying allegations to be "unsubstantiated."
Although Wyatt did not directly name or threaten the four girls, their identities and personal information were shared online by other users who had viewed her posts. One girl's home address was even posted online.
After being sued, Wyatt started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her legal expenses, which raised over $100,000. The parents dropped the lawsuit last Tuesday.
In her Thursday TikTok post she said the online supporters were like her "village" and her "family."
"We love you so, so much. Thank you," she said.
Newsweek has contacted Heather Wyatt via email for further comment.
For those struggling with mental health issues, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers support. Dial 988, text "988" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or visit 988lifeline.org for help.
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