A TikToker has revealed how she was left fearing for her life after a first date went horribly wrong – sharing her story as a warning to other women.
Kayla Harrell first got to know the mystery man at a social event, with the pair organising to meet up soon after.
The 27-year-old says that the man seemed like a “completely normal” guy and was a “gentleman” at first – with no inkling of what would happen next.
Taking to TikTok (@kaybertina), Kayla has shared her horrifying dating experience – with the video racking up almost one million views from shocked viewers.
“The date started to go wrong before the date even started,” Kayla, who works as a finance associate, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
“I typically drive myself to dates or Uber for my safety, and because I don’t want them to know where I live.
“[…] … he was adamant on coming to pick me up.
“At the time, I thought nothing of the aggressiveness of him disregarding my ‘no’s’, so I gave him my address and he picked me up.”
Kayla’s date reportedly showed up in a convertible holding a bouquet of red roses, leaving her feeling uneasy about the big gesture.
The pair headed to dinner in Los Angeles and afterwards, he asked if she fancied a drive down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.
Despite declining his offer and asking for a ride home, the date then allegedly went rogue.
She said: “At this point, I’m extremely scared and vulnerable because I have no idea where he’s taking me.
“So many thoughts are going through my head, thinking I could be kidnapped right now.
“He then asks me if I want to watch a movie at his place. I say no, I have to be up early in the morning.
“A few minutes later he puts his home address into the GPS.
“This is where the driving starts getting aggressive, he starts speeding and swerving through the lanes, running through red lights.”
Once the pair arrive at the date’s house, Kayla repeats that she wants to go home – but claims things only get worse, as the man allegedly makes racist remarks.
Kayla said: “[Once at his house], he slides over to cuddle me and I cross my arms and adjust so it’s uncomfortable for him and he ultimately moves.
“He asks me ‘What are you mixed with’ in terms of my race, and I let him know that I think I’m just Black.
“He then says something along the lines of ‘you don’t look full Black, you’re so lucky you don’t have those features’.
“My stomach starts to turn and I feel sick and gross.
“At this point, I’m exhausted and realise a no will not suffice, as I’d said no multiple times before that day and was disregarded.
“So I begrudgingly move over to cuddle with him and luckily the movie is over shortly after and I swiftly say I need to get home.”
The pair head back into the car, with the driver, once again whizzing down the streets at a dangerous pace.
Kayla said: “I really thought I was going to get kidnapped at first, I thought he was going to hurt me, and I thought he was going to crash the car and kill us both.
“But I actually made it home alive and got out of the car immediately.”
Unsurprisingly, Kayla never spoke to her date again.
Hoping to warn other women about dating safety, she’s taken to TikTok to share her experience, leaving users stunned.
Danny wrote: “I just gasped.”
Someone else said: “Yea I would have called the cops.” [sic]
Diamond commented: “This is so scary omg.” [sic]
“As much as we wanna think it’s nice getting a huge bouquet on the first date is a red flag,” another person wrote.
Chantal wrote: “I am very happy you are ok. Yea next time stand your ground, no is no.” [sic]
Another person added: “That was wild!!! And then they get confused when I tell them that I don’t go on dates easily. This is whyyyyyy.” [sic]
Stacy said: “The fact that he took you to his house without your permission.”
Mavie commented: “Driving recklessly with someone in the car is a form of abuse. Happy you’re safe.”
Kayla feels lucky to have escaped the dangerous situation and hopes her story will help others.
She added: “I think his [the date] actions are disgusting and I won’t ever speak to him again
“I hope my story can help females be more aware and more adamant about what they want.
“Do not waver on their dating rules and just be aware.
“Men are dangerous and it’s important to be safe and take care of yourself.”