AVA Majury’s parents have hit back at vile trolls for “victim-blaming” their TikTok star daughter after she was targeted by a stalker who tried to break into her home and kill her.
The 15-year-old, who is said to have been left traumatized by the July 2021 incident, is also due to appear in court on Monday to request restraining order against a second alleged stalker – a classmate at her school.
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The first stalker, 18-year-old Eric Rohan Justin, was shot dead by Ava’s dad Rob, a retired cop, outside the family’s Fort Myers, Florida home on July 10.
Following months of harassing Ava online, Justin traveled from Maryland to Florida and attempted to blast through the Majurys’ front door with a shotgun as the teen slept in her bed.
In addition to obsessively messaging Ava directly, Justin also paid so-called friends and classmates of Ava’s to send him her personal information, including her address and phone number.
One of the classmates to auction off her private information has since allegedly started following and watching her – reportedly making her so uncomfortable, in fact, that she’s withdrawn from in-person learning at school and now studies virtually at home.
Ava is now seeking an injunction for protection against the classmate, who hasn’t been named because he’s a minor, citing months of disturbing behavior.
‘VICTIM BLAMING’
A spokesperson for Ava, Taylor Pearson, told The Sun that the social media star is “definitely very fearful for her safety” on account of both stalking incidents.
“She doesn’t feel comfortable living life as a normal teen,” Pearson said. “The family has moved address and now Ava is doing virtual learning at home.”
The family is also “disappointed by the negativity and victim blaming” being directed at them and their daughter ever since the family went public with their story in the New York Times last week, Pearson added.
Much of the criticism has stemmed from the fact that Ava’s parents allowed her to sell two selfie’s to Justin for $300 after he made direct contact with her – weeks before showing up armed at their Florida home.
She eventually blocked Justin after he requested explicit photos from her, but still he continued to contact her through alternative means, such as Venmo.
Others have criticized Ava for deciding to remain on social media after both she and her family were almost killed.
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In one comment left on Ava’s Instagram, a troll wrote: “Really all ur fault u sexualize yourself too much.
“Even sold him pictures instead of just blocking him in the first place u really killed a person lol.”
Another wrote: “You are exactly what’s wrong in our society. Yes, he was a sick f**k. But you purposely continued to have contact with this guy. Admitting to even going so far as to selling him photos.
“And your parents are absolutely 100% to blame for this. You were nothing but a child and should grow up some. I hope the prosecutor’s office is looking at you and your family in this young man’s death.”
‘CAUTIONAIRY TALE’
Pearson told The Sun that the negativity and spiteful remarks are inflicting more harm on the Majury family at what is already a painful time for them.
“They’re having a very difficult time,” said Pearson. “But we really want to focus on the positives and use this incident as a lesson for others, a cautionary tale.
“We also want to put out the message that Ava’s behavior shouldn’t have to change because of one or two bad actors.”
In separate statements, both Ava and her parents, Kim and Rob, said they also hope others can learn from what has happened to their family.
“I’m telling my story so that young people and parents are also aware of the dangers of social media. I could never have imagined my innocent posts would result in a stranger showing up at my front door with a shotgun,” Ava said in a written statement.
“I urge young people and parents to immediately report any threat or signal of violence, and not wait until it’s too late.”
Kim and Rob similarly added: “As parents, all that we’ve ever wanted is the best for Ava. While becoming social media famous was not in the plan, we support our daughter’s endeavors entirely.
“Never in our wildest dreams did we think a fun pastime could lead to a near-death experience. We implore local authorities to take this frightening ordeal seriously and parents to encourage their children to report suspect activity on social media and not be complacent or, worse, complicit in threatening behavior that too often leads to tragedy.”
SECOND ‘STALKER’
The Majury family will be appearing at the Collier County Circuit Court in East Naples on Monday as their restraining order case is heard before a judge.
Ava is due to testify during the hearing, Pearson said, to “relay the emotional impact these events have had on her” and her family.
“The defendant in the case was collaborating with the stalker who showed up at her house with a gun and was shot dead,” Pearson said.
“Since then he has continued to harass and stalk her at school to the point where she’s now doing virtual learning and is no longer in classes.”
In addition to allegedly harassing Ava, Pearson said the defendant recently uploaded a video to his Snapchat story, showing him practicing at a gun range. The video was forwarded to Ava by a concerned friend.
Pearson voiced confidence that a resolution would be found in the Majury family’s favor.
“It’s super important because we can often look at one incident as a tragedy but this isn’t a one time event – it’s extended to her classmates and peers, so clearly this isn’t over,” she said.
“We want to get her back to living a normal life and we think this injunction will help her get some relief.
“It’s important to act before these tragedies can happen, and we would love for action to be taken now – not after the fact.”
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