Meredith Hayden, the culinary sensation behind the popular TikTok channel Wishbone Kitchen, has bravely opened up about a harrowing experience from four years ago, revealing that she was drugged and abducted at a Hollywood premiere party. The 30-year-old influencer, who boasts a following of nearly four million across social media platforms, shared her story in a candid video response that sheds light on her ongoing struggles with mental health.
A Distressing Revelation
In her emotional TikTok video, which came in response to criticism regarding her anxiety about an upcoming birthday trip to Japan, Hayden disclosed the traumatic incident that has shaped her life. “The reason why I was crying and anxious about flying across the globe is because four years ago, I was roofied at a Hollywood premiere party in a very luxurious setting where I thought I was safe,” she explained. The term “roofied” refers to being unknowingly drugged with substances like Rohypnol, often leading to severe drowsiness and memory loss.
Hayden recounted how, feeling unwell at the party, she attempted to leave, only to be forcibly taken by someone who “pushed me into their car and kidnapped me for, like, a few hours.” Her use of humour during the recounting indicates her coping mechanism, as she stated, “I’m laughing because humour is the way I cope.”
Silence and Struggles
Despite the gravity of the incident, Hayden had refrained from discussing the trauma publicly until now. She revealed that as her social media presence grew, she feared being labelled as the “roofie kidnap girl” and thus kept the experience to herself. “I put my big girl pants on, and I shoved the feelings down for as long as I could,” she admitted, acknowledging the lasting impact on her mental health. “I still get anxious leaving my house, and I probably will forever.”
Notably, Hayden chose not to report the incident to the authorities, citing a lack of familiarity with anyone at the party and the absence of surveillance footage. “The invite to the party said, ‘Don’t worry, the cameras will be off, so we can all really let loose,’” she recalled, underscoring the troubling environment she faced.
A Journey of Healing
Since rising to fame in early 2022 with her engaging “Day in the Life” vlogs, which documented her work as a private chef, Hayden has cultivated a loyal fanbase by sharing her culinary adventures and recipes. Her debut cookbook, *The Wishbone Kitchen Cookbook*, achieved remarkable success, spending 12 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list.
As she approached her 30th birthday, Hayden excitedly planned a trip to Tokyo, but the spectre of her past trauma loomed large. In her recent video, she acknowledged her mixed feelings: “So, yes, I was staying in very nice hotels… But that doesn’t mean you can’t have anxiety about your situation, about being in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language and you know nobody except for the person you’re travelling with.”
Why it Matters
Hayden’s courageous revelation serves as a stark reminder of the profound effects that trauma can have on an individual’s mental health. By sharing her story, she not only highlights the importance of discussing such experiences openly but also fosters a sense of community and understanding among those who may be struggling in silence. As conversations around mental health continue to gain traction, her bravery in confronting her past may empower others to seek help and share their own stories, ultimately reducing stigma and fostering healing.
