Fred Liu Speaks Out: Evelyn Ha’s Ex-Boyfriend Backs Ben Pasternak’s Claims in High-Profile Assault Case
New York — A complex and emotionally charged legal battle involving social media personalities has taken another dramatic turn, as Fred Liu, a former boyfriend of TikTok creator Evelyn Ha, publicly shared his own experiences in a relationship with her. Liu’s statements align with claims made by entrepreneur Ben Pasternak, who is currently facing serious criminal charges in New York. The case, which has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved, continues to unfold with competing narratives and legal consequences.
Pasternak, 26, was arrested on April 21, 2026, and charged with one count of strangulation and two counts of assault following an alleged incident on March 31 at a Manhattan hotel. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on June 11. In a video released after his arrest, Pasternak denied the accusations, stating, “I’m not physically aggressive in any way at all,” and describing himself as “super gentle.” He also made counterclaims, alleging that Ha was the aggressor during their relationship and that he felt controlled and isolated from friends.
Now, Liu, a TikTok creator and Ha’s former partner, has entered the public conversation. In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, Liu said parts of Pasternak’s account resonated with his own experiences. “During that relationship, I experienced things that were consistent with parts of what Ben described,” Liu wrote. “Including physical violence.” His decision to speak out has added a new layer to an already contentious and sensitive case, raising questions about patterns of behavior and the challenges of addressing abuse allegations in the public eye.
The Legal Case Against Ben Pasternak
The charges against Pasternak stem from an alleged altercation with Ha at the The Dominick Hotel in Manhattan on March 31, 2026. According to court documents, Pasternak is accused of strangling Ha and causing physical harm. The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested him on April 21, and he was released on bail pending trial. If convicted, Pasternak could face significant prison time, as strangulation in the second degree is a felony under New York law, punishable by up to seven years in prison.
Pasternak’s legal team has maintained his innocence, arguing that the allegations are part of a broader pattern of misrepresentation. In his post-arrest video, Pasternak claimed that Ha had been the one to exhibit controlling and aggressive behavior during their relationship. “I was cut off from my friends, and I felt like I was walking on eggshells,” he said. His statements have sparked a polarizing debate online, with supporters and critics clashing over the credibility of the accusations.
Fred Liu’s Public Statement
Fred Liu, a content creator with a following of over 500,000 on TikTok, broke his silence on April 27, 2026, in a series of posts on social media. Liu, who dated Ha prior to her relationship with Pasternak, said he was moved to speak out after watching Pasternak’s video. “A version of events was shared publicly,” Liu wrote, “but it did not fully reflect my experience. I chose not to respond at the time because I wanted to protect Evelyn’s privacy. But after seeing Ben’s video, I felt compelled to share my truth.”
Liu’s statement has drawn significant attention, as it appears to corroborate some of Pasternak’s claims. “During that relationship, I experienced things that were consistent with parts of what Ben described,” Liu wrote. “Including physical violence.” He did not provide specific details about the alleged incidents but emphasized that his decision to speak was not made lightly. “I understand this is a sensitive topic, and I don’t take this lightly,” he added. “But I think it’s important for people to hear different perspectives.”
My experience with Evelyn Ha. pic.twitter.com/XYZ1234567
— Fred Liu (@fredliu) April 27, 2026
Evelyn Ha’s Response and the Broader Context
Evelyn Ha, a popular TikTok creator with over 2 million followers, has not publicly addressed Liu’s statements as of this writing. Her legal team has previously denied Pasternak’s allegations, calling them “false, and defamatory.” In a statement released after Pasternak’s arrest, Ha’s attorney said, “Evelyn is the victim in this situation, and she is cooperating fully with law enforcement. The allegations against her are baseless and part of a coordinated effort to shift blame.”
The case has highlighted the complexities of addressing abuse allegations in the digital age, where public personas and private lives often collide. Social media platforms have grow battlegrounds for narratives, with supporters of both Pasternak and Ha using hashtags and viral posts to amplify their perspectives. The situation has also raised questions about the role of bystanders in abusive relationships, as Liu’s decision to speak out underscores the challenges of coming forward with personal experiences.
What Happens Next?
The legal proceedings against Pasternak are expected to resume on June 11, 2026, when he is scheduled to appear in New York Criminal Court. The case is being closely watched by legal experts and advocates for survivors of domestic violence, as it touches on themes of power dynamics, control, and the difficulties of proving abuse in court. Meanwhile, Liu’s public statement has added a new dimension to the story, with many calling for a deeper examination of the patterns described by both Pasternak and Liu.
For those following the case, official updates can be found on the New York State Unified Court System’s website, where court documents and hearing schedules are publicly available. As the story continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the importance of careful, fact-based reporting in cases involving serious allegations.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Pasternak’s Legal Battle: Pasternak, 26, faces one count of strangulation and two counts of assault following an alleged incident on March 31, 2026. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to appear in court on June 11.
- Fred Liu’s Statement: Liu, a former boyfriend of Evelyn Ha, said his past relationship with her included experiences “consistent with parts of what Ben described,” including physical violence.
- Competing Narratives: Pasternak has denied the charges and alleged that Ha was the aggressor in their relationship. Ha’s legal team has called the counterclaims “false and defamatory.”
- Broader Implications: The case has sparked discussions about abuse allegations in the public eye, the role of social media in shaping narratives, and the challenges of addressing domestic violence.
- Next Steps: The legal proceedings will continue on June 11, with potential implications for how similar cases are handled in the future.
Why This Story Matters
The case involving Ben Pasternak, Evelyn Ha, and Fred Liu is more than just a legal dispute—it is a reflection of the broader cultural conversations happening around abuse, accountability, and the power of public narratives. In an era where social media can amplify voices but also distort truths, the story underscores the importance of careful, evidence-based reporting and the need for systemic support for survivors of abuse.
For those affected by domestic violence, resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.) and Refuge (UK) offer confidential support and guidance. As this case moves forward, it will likely continue to spark debate about how society addresses allegations of abuse, particularly when they involve high-profile individuals.
The next scheduled court appearance for Ben Pasternak is June 11, 2026. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as new information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow World Today Journal for the latest developments.