Content Warning: This article discusses domestic violence and physical abuse.
McKinli Hatch, a well-known social media influencer and entrepreneur, initially gained fame in 2012 when a viral photo featuring her pregnant self posing with an amusing chalkboard of baby names caught the internet’s attention. She skillfully leveraged this viral moment to establish a thriving online business. But what has been happening in McKinli’s life recently? Read on to discover her story.
McKinli Hatch’s Struggles
Despite her outward portrayal of a seemingly perfect life on social media, McKinli, a proud mother of four children, has been a victim of domestic violence. In March 2023, she publicly announced her relationship with Ryan Taugher on Instagram. However, her boyfriend’s troubled history, marked by multiple DUI arrests and domestic abuse allegations, raised concerns.
According to information shared by Reddit users, McKinli’s sister, in a now-deleted Instagram post, disclosed a horrifying incident on Mother’s Day. Ryan had allegedly physically assaulted McKinli in front of her children, causing significant distress to her entire family, who feared for her safety.
Despite these troubling events, the couple remained together until a harrowing incident unfolded in July 2023.
July 2023 Incident
On July 12, 2023, Ryan was arrested and charged with domestic assault. Reports from Scoop Nashville detailed a heated argument between the couple, during which an intoxicated Ryan reportedly struck McKinli.
The altercation escalated as Ryan threw McKinli’s clothes around the house and hurled a frozen candy, followed by a glass bottle that shattered upon impact with McKinli’s buttocks, causing her to bleed. Frightened, McKinli fled the scene and called 911. However, Ryan intercepted the call, disconnecting it.
Fortunately, law enforcement responded promptly, but Ryan managed to hide with McKinli in nearby bushes. Once officers left the vicinity, Ryan forced McKinli to send reassuring messages to her family. In a courageous moment, McKinli seized an opportunity to escape, darting out of the front door. Ryan pursued her as she screamed for help, and alert nearby officers came to her aid. The police intervened, separating the couple and taking Ryan into custody.
Ryan later faced charges and was found guilty of a lesser offense, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
McKinli’s Journey to Healing
Since the incident, McKinli has gradually begun to open up about the abuse she endured. In an August 2, 2023 TikTok video, she shared her decision to move into her own house, freeing herself from the toxic relationship, and embarking on a new chapter of her life.
On August 29, 2023, an emotional McKinli addressed her TikTok followers, offering words of advice and encouragement: “The first sign that you see, leave. It’s not gonna get better. It’s gonna get worse. Don’t do it, just leave,” she asserted.
McKinli’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the courage it takes to break free from an abusive relationship and inspire others to seek help and support when needed.
