Los Angeles, CA – July 2025 – Ashley Barnes, a prominent TikTok influencer known as @ashleyb4253, has found herself at the center of a firestorm of controversy following serious allegations made by fellow creator Brad Mason. With over 2.7 million followers and 300 million likes, the 17-year-old Los Angeles native has built a significant online presence through her lip-syncing, dancing, and lifestyle videos. However, recent accusations of sexual assault, coercion, and substance abuse have sparked widespread debate and backlash across social media platforms.
On July 15, 2025, Brad Mason, a fellow TikToker and former friend of Barnes, posted a nine-part “storytime” video series on TikTok, detailing a disturbing incident that allegedly occurred during a hotel stay in Los Angeles starting July 6. According to Mason, Barnes invited him and other influencers, including her roommate and an unnamed popular TikTok couple, to film content together. Mason alleges that Barnes pressured the group to consume “sex gummies” and engage in non-consensual sexual acts, creating an uncomfortable and coercive environment. He further claimed that Barnes sprayed a “pheromone spray” in the hotel room and maintained a drawer containing sexual paraphernalia, including arousal gummies, lube, and fluffy handcuffs, which he showcased in a now-viral video referred to as the “drawer video.” The drawer, notably, also contained a Mormon bible, raising questions about its ownership and significance.
Mason’s allegations escalated as he described Barnes forcibly making out with her roommate during a game of “truth or dare” and attempting to pressure others into similar acts. He stated that he felt unsafe, leading him to contact Barnes’ roommates, who advised him to leave the hotel for his safety. Mason later reached out to Barnes’ father, who reportedly apologized for his daughter’s behavior, citing her struggles with substance abuse. According to Mason, Barnes’ father acknowledged that she had been abusing substances, and she briefly entered a three-day rehab program but resumed partying shortly after.The “drawer video,” which allegedly shows the contents of Barnes’ hotel drawer, has fueled online speculation and debate. Some viewers interpreted the video as evidence supporting Mason’s claims, while others questioned its context, noting that the drawer’s contents could belong to someone else or be unrelated to the allegations. The video, combined with screenshots of text exchanges between Mason and Barnes’ father, has been widely circulated, amplifying the controversy.
In response, Barnes posted a video on her secondary TikTok account (@ashleyprollycantsleep), which has since been set to private. In the video, she alluded to struggles with addiction and being on incorrect medications that caused memory loss for three months, but she did not directly address Mason’s accusations. Many viewers criticized her response as vague and insufficient, noting that she appeared to smile during the video, which some felt undermined the seriousness of the allegations. Since July 15, Barnes has remained largely silent on social media, limiting comments on her posts and avoiding further public statements. Her follower count has reportedly dropped from 2.7 million to 2.5 million amid the backlash.
Another creator, Capri Jones, reportedly corroborated parts of Mason’s story in a seven-part TikTok series, though his account was allegedly banned, and his videos were removed, limiting access to his perspective. Online discussions, particularly on Reddit, have questioned the credibility of the accusers, with some speculating that personal disputes or clout-chasing may have influenced the narrative. Others have expressed concern for Barnes, noting her young age and visible struggles with personal issues, as seen in her over-sexualized social media presence and interactions with controversial figures.
The controversy has polarized fans and influencers. Some defend Barnes, citing her past openness about mental health and body positivity, while others demand accountability, pointing to the severity of the allegations. No formal legal action has been reported, and law enforcement has not confirmed any charges against Barnes. The online debate continues to grow, with reaction videos and commentary from creators like @userspam1297362703 and
@lexiraemf garnering millions of views, further amplifying the story.As the situation unfolds, the Ashley Barnes controversy highlights the complexities of influencer culture, where personal disputes can quickly escalate into public spectacles. Whether Barnes will address the allegations directly or face legal consequences remains unclear, but the “drawer video” saga has undeniably left a mark on her online legacy.
