On July 15, 2025, TikTok influencer Brad Mason sent shockwaves through social media by posting a series of explosive Instagram Stories accusing fellow creator Ashley Barnes of sexual coercion, drug-related misconduct, and disturbing behavior during a hotel stay involving multiple friends and collaborators.

Barnes, who has amassed millions of followers on TikTok thanks to her lifestyle content and flirty persona, now faces intense public scrutiny after Mason’s claims quickly went viral.

A Night That Turned Dark

According to Mason, the incident occurred during a content shoot at a Los Angeles hotel, where Ashley had invited a group of creators and friends. What began as a typical collaboration quickly devolved into what he described as a manipulative and unsafe situation.

Mason alleged that Ashley pressured the group to consume alcohol and “sex gummies”, and encouraged them to engage in physical contact under the guise of creating “couple-style” TikTok content. “She said we needed to take gummies so the vibes would be better,” Mason recalled in one of the videos. “She kept pushing them into our hands and mouths.”

The “Drawer Video” Goes Viral

The most damning piece of evidence came when Mason uploaded a video showing the contents of a drawer in Ashley’s hotel room. The video, dubbed the “drawer video,” revealed what he described as a stash of sex-related paraphernalia:

Pheromone spray

Gummy supplements believed to enhance sexual arousal

Condoms

Spiked objects resembling BDSM tools

Handcuffs

And, bizarrely, a Bible lying among the items

Mason referred to it as the “sex drawer,” and said the discovery left him deeply unsettled. He said he took photos and removed some of the items for his safety and for documentation. “One of the girls in the group told me to get out of there, that Ashley had done things like this before,” he said. “She said, ‘Leave now if you want to be safe.’”

Forced Contact and “Dare or Drink” Games

Mason detailed how Ashley manipulated a seemingly harmless party game into something far more disturbing. What started as a standard round of “Truth or Dare” was allegedly twisted into a game of “Dare or Drink”, where refusal to perform sexual dares meant being pressured to drink or take substances.

“She dared us to make out with each other,” Mason said. “And when someone refused, she grabbed a girl by her shirt collar and physically forced her into a kiss with someone else.”

He also alleged that Ashley touched him inappropriately while he was trying to sleep later that night, after the rest of the group had left.

Power Dynamics and Consent Concerns

Mason emphasized that the environment created by Ashley was one of psychological manipulation, group pressure, and disregard for consent. “She said we wouldn’t remember anything after the gummies. That scared me,” he stated.

While some viewers have questioned whether the drawer contents or the games alone prove anything illegal, legal experts note that consent obtained under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not valid. If further evidence emerges, the case could lead to criminal or civil consequences.

Ashley Barnes Remains Silent

As of now, Ashley Barnes has not made any public response to the allegations. Her TikTok and Instagram accounts remain active but have gone quiet since the release of Mason’s videos.

A person claiming to be Ashley’s father commented under several videos, suggesting that Ashley has struggled with substance abuse and had briefly checked into a rehabilitation facility earlier this year. According to this account, she allegedly left treatment early and returned to partying.

Public and Industry Reactions

The influencer community has been divided in response. Some creators have spoken out in support of Mason, while others have called for caution, citing the need for thorough investigation and due process.

However, the majority of public sentiment appears to lean toward concern, especially given the presence of video evidence and the involvement of multiple witnesses. The incident has prompted discussions about safety in influencer circles, peer pressure, and the blurred lines between content creation and real-life boundaries.

Brad Mason has stated he does not intend to press charges at this time but wanted to share his story to protect others. “I just want people to know the truth. I don’t care about clout or views—I care about what could’ve happened,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, fans and critics alike are waiting for Ashley’s response. Whether or not legal action is taken, the incident has already reshaped her online reputation and may have lasting effects on how influencers are held accountable for their off-camera behavior.