Roommates, a situation involving Attorney Tara H. Jackson and 19-year-old stylist Jayla Cunningham has the internet talking once again. And this time, it’s about the legal outcome everyone’s been waiting for. And, what started as a viral salon confrontation has now turned into a serious situation in court.
RELATED: Maryland Hairstylist Faces Assault Charges After Dragging Teen Client For Allegedly Trying To Skip Payment (VIDEO)
Viral Salon Clash Ends In Conviction
Attorney Tara H. Jackson recently announced that Jayla Cunningham has been convicted of second-degree assault after dragging her teenage client by the hair during a heated payment dispute. The incident dates back to March 2025, when a now-viral video showed Cunningham pulling a 15-year-old girl across her salon floor after allegedly accusing the teen of trying to leave without paying the $150 fee for a four-hour service.
Following the viral incident, Cunningham was hit with second-degree assault charges — a felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Her sentencing is set for January 22, 2026, where a judge will determine whether she will serve time or receive an alternative sentence. Meanwhile, Attorney Jackson has urged the public to remember that minors deserve protection, especially within beauty service spaces.
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What Led To Cunningham’s Salon Confrontation?
As previously reported, the confrontation began when Jayla Cunningham claimed the 15-year-old client tried to walk out of the salon without paying a $150 fee for a style that included extensions. The now-viral video — which Jayla allegedly posted herself — shows her dragging the teen back inside by her hoodie and even cutting the extensions out with scissors. In the clip, Jayla can be heard saying, “Sit right here until somebody sends it. I’m not f***** playing… You lucky I ain’t beat the s*** out you.”
The teen’s mother, however, says her daughter accidentally sent the payment to the wrong Cash App while trying to sort out the method. And, that the incident left her “traumatized” and still struggling emotionally. She’s eventually filed a police report, and the family hired Jackson & Associates to represent them. Attorney De’Aja Thompson called the footage “horrendous.” She also emphasized that this was a child being physically dragged over what she considers a simple mistake — not a justification for violence.
The TL Had Plenty To Say
Roommates, The Shade Room Instagram comment section wasted no time weighing in, and let’s just say… folks had time today. Some viewers called the situation a lesson in controlling your temper. Others, though, claimed they understood the frustration when it comes to money. While some couldn’t get past the fact that she threw her future away over just $150.
One Instagram user @suzette_therealtor said, “Everyone saying as she should and now that girl might end up behind bars … for $150 😮 …..“
This Instagram user @worldof.maya commented, “Good, that was unprofessional 💯💯”
Instagram user @_therealmaryjanee___ wrote, “Now she’s facing 10 years when she could of… handled the situation a lot better“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @its.mitria added, “I’m glad they ain’t let this go“
Then Instagram user @whoaintclut3h claimed, “Yall would’ve did the same thing if sb tried to run off on yall [money]“
While, Instagram user @1bbk._ shared, “10 years over $150 , nah I’m cool“
Lastly, Instagram user @chanel__5 wrote, “ATP hairstylist start getting your payment once the client sit in your chair.🪑”
