(Photo by Olena Ruban)
Roommates, a situation involving Attorney Tara H. Jackson and 19-year-old stylist Jayla Cunningham has the internet talking once again. And this time, its about the legal outcome everyones been waiting for. And, what started as a viral salon confrontation has now turned into a serious situation in court.
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.
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. Im not f***** playing You lucky I aint beat the s*** out you.
The teens 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. Shes eventually filed a police report, and the family hired Jackson & Associates to represent them. Attorney DeAja 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.
Roommates, The Shade Room Instagram comment section wasted no time weighing in, and lets 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 couldnt 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 shes facing 10 years when she could of… handled the situation a lot better“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @its.mitria added, “Im glad they aint let this go“
Then Instagram user @whoaintclut3h claimed, “Yall wouldve 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.”
