Aubreigh Wyatt: If you’ve seen the hashtag #LLAW on social media, you’ve probably heard of Aubreigh Wyatt. The 13-year-old from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, committed suicide on September 4, 2023, and her story has since gone viral.
Heather Wyatt, Aubreigh’s mother, began speaking out about her loss after her daughter’s death and sharing her daughter’s story on social media, particularly TikTok. Aubreigh’s name and photos spread, and the hashtag #LLAW (Live Like Aubreigh Wyatt) also became popular.
Heather had previously claimed that her daughter’s death was the result of constant bullying. She claimed that at least four girls bullied Aubreigh, who was in eighth grade at the time. Heather also demanded that individuals be held accountable.
Although Heather never publicly disclosed the names of the four girls, Internet sleuths discovered the identities of the women who had bullied her daughter, and their names spread widely. The alleged text messages from Heather and Aubreigh describing the alleged bullying were also published online.
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The parents of the four teens responded by suing Heather for defamation and libel, according to the Washington Post. After the lawsuit was filed on July 2, a judge ruled that Heather must close all of her social media accounts, according to the website. Many social media users were upset by the ruling, claiming it violated Heather’s freedom of speech. Heather’s supporters, including other popular TikTok users, have posted messages of support.
Ophelia Nichols, better known on TikTok as Mama Tot, posted a message of support for Heather that has over 11 million views. Nichols said on TikTok, “Since Aubreigh’s mom can’t speak for her (due to the court’s order), I guess we will.” Nichols continued, “If her voice is silenced, use yours.”
The complaint against Heather states, in part: “As a direct and proximate cause of the defendant’s false, defamatory and libelous social media posts, the plaintiffs’ minor children received abusive and disgusting messages from around the world attacking them, calling them vulgar names and sexualizing them.” “These young ladies were in eighth grade!!”
Also read: Aubreigh Wyatt Ocean Springs death due to bullying, statement
However, on July 16, the parents withdrew the lawsuit. According to the document, the case was “dismissed without prejudice,” meaning the parents can refile it if they wish.
It is unclear whether the court will lift Heather’s social media ban in this case.
Heather’s social media profiles, which have been viewed and shared millions of times around the world, were offline at press time.
The Wyatt family set up a GoFundMe account to cover legal fees. Heather described her daughter as “vibrant, kind and exceptionally intelligent” at the fundraiser.
“We have encountered a significant financial obstacle in our pursuit of justice and accountability,” the donor letter states. Almost $110,000 has now been raised.
Also read: Is social media to blame for Aubreigh Wyatt’s death in Ocean Springs? What the Mississippi Coast mother’s lawsuit says
Aubreigh “loved the beach, her friends, gymnastics, quad biking and TikToks,” her obituary reads. In addition to her mother, Aubreigh leaves behind her sister, brother and grandfather.
Heather has recently used her platform to advocate for mental health services. In a July 11 post on GoFundMe, Heather advised people to donate to “local therapists and counselors” and “check with local crisis centers to see if anyone needs help.”
Trey Brennan, spokesman for the Ocean Springs School District, issued the following statement:
“The Ocean Springs School District continues to extend its deepest condolences to the Wyatt family as they mourn the loss of Aubreigh Wyatt. When our school community experiences a loss, we provide resources through the district and outside channels, including counseling services, to help students navigate the grieving process.
In addition, we work closely with our employees to adjust their workload and schedule as needed to ensure their needs are met during times of loss.
Although OSSD is unable to discuss individual student cases, the district follows strict processes for all allegations of inappropriate behavior, harassment or bullying.
Read also: What really happened to Aubreigh Wyatt Ocean SpringsThe reasons for her death and the bullying lawsuit
School administration conducts thorough investigations and when evidence supports allegations, appropriate action is taken in accordance with school district policy. Throughout the process, parents and children are continually updated on progress and our records are documented for future reference. Students and parents can report bullying anonymously online or in person.
Despite the increasing proliferation of misinformation on social media, our administrators have and will continue to address all reported situations with integrity and concern for the well-being of our students.
OSSD strongly encourages students and parents to report incidents of bullying or harassment to school administration by completing an online bullying report or by contacting their child’s school.
OSSD remains committed to creating a healthy learning environment and supporting the needs of all of its students and staff. This is made possible by the many dedicated teachers and close collaboration with agencies and community partners.”
