Disclaimer: The article contains mentions of suicide and bullying. Reader discretion is advised.
On September 4, 2023, 13-year-old Aubreigh Wyatt died by suicide in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Several outlets reported that she decided to end her life after being cyber-bullied by her peers at the school. Since her death, Wyatt’s mother, Heather, has been using social media, especially TikTok, to talk about dealing with grief.
According to The Washington Post, Aubreigh Wyatt’s mother claimed that constant bullying forced her daughter to take such a step. The outlet mentioned that at least four girls bullied her daughter while she was in the eighth grade. Additionally, she alleged that Wyatt suffered bullying both online and offline from her schoolmates. Meanwhile, Vicksburg News reported that Heather posted a video on TikTok, claiming the authorities wouldn’t be pursuing bullying cases over Wyatt’s death. Heather also shared screenshots of her daughter’s Snapchat to support her bullying claims.
Her videos started going viral and hashtag #JusticeForAubreigh began trending on social media. Citing one of her videos, Sun Herald noted, “Aubreigh would be friends with them for a week, then they would fight for a week. It was just this big social isolation.” Although she never mentioned the names of the four teens, her followers and internet sleuths started circulating their images on social media. The families of those four teens filed a lawsuit against Heather and claimed that they faced a lot of harassment.
What was Aubreigh Wyatt’s cause of death?
Since Aubreigh Wyatt’s death in September 2023, her mother has been raising awareness about bullying and its consequences on social media. According to the Sun Herald, she recently posted a video and shared notes Wyatt wrote. The video garnered almost 40 million views when a Chancery Court judge ordered her to deactivate her social media accounts. Per the outlet, the judge’s order leaked online, frustrating Heather’s followers.
On the other hand, the parents of the accused teens filed another lawsuit against Heather for “slanderous” social media posts. Citing the complaint, Newsweek reported, “As a direct and proximate cause of the false, defamatory, and slanderous social media posts of the defendant, Heather Wyatt, the plaintiffs’ minor children have been receiving insulting and revolting messages from around the world attacking them, calling them vulgar names, sexualizing them. These young ladies WERE IN THE 8TH GRADE!!”
Many social media users rallied support for Heather and started speaking about the case. Heather also started a GoFundMe page to assist with the legal fees. As of writing this piece, the campaign has already raised over $120,000. Heather thanked everyone who supported her in this journey, noting that Aubreigh Wyatt would have been happy to see how many people loved her.
She wrote, “We love you guys so much! And I just know my baby girl would be ecstatic to see how many people love her!! How many people are fighting for her!! I am so honored to be able to share my baby girl with so many amazing people. Aubreigh’s Army (or mob as some call it) have been such a light in this dark time!! We love you all!!”
However, on July 16, 2024, the parents of the accused teens dropped the lawsuit against Aubreigh Wyatt’s mother. According to the Sun Herald, the families intend to pursue “other civil action at this time.” Moreover, they have the option of re-filing the aforementioned case. A hearing will take place on Thursday, potentially involving a civil action. A judge had also ordered Heather to shut down her social media accounts temporarily.
