Influencer Evelyn Ha has publicly addressed the events of March 31, 2026, breaking her silence following the April 21 arrest of her former partner, startup mogul Ben Pasternak.
The 27-year-old content creator released a video statement on Thursday detailing her decision to end their three-year relationship, citing a need to protect her personal safety after an altercation at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan.
Pasternak, 26, appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday to face charges including second-degree strangulation, a felony, and misdemeanor assault.
According to court documents cited by People, prosecutors allege that during a dispute at the Midtown luxury hotel, Pasternak squeezed Ha’s neck with both hands, causing visible bruising and breathing difficulties. Further allegations include injuries sustained by Ha to her arms and hips during the encounter. The incident occurred on the same day the couple formally ended their relationship.
The legal stakes for Pasternak are significant. A conviction for second-degree strangulation carries potential prison time, adding to the mounting pressure on the entrepreneur, who is simultaneously defending himself against a separate federal lawsuit involving allegations of crypto fraud related to his Believe token platform. Pasternak was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to return to court on June 11.
Defense Claims and Public Narrative
The legal teams involved have presented starkly different accounts of the evening. Through his attorney, Joshua Kirschner, Pasternak has entered a plea of not guilty, asserting that his actions constituted lawful self-defense.
A spokesperson for Pasternak further alleged that Ha was the primary aggressor, characterizing the relationship as volatile and claiming the influencer had threatened Pasternak previously.
Ha’s decision to speak out on her YouTube channel serves as a critical pivot in the public discourse surrounding the case.
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By emphasizing that she moved away from the relationship to ensure her own wellbeing, Ha has explicitly contradicted the defense’s narrative of self-defense.
This public statement is expected to be a focal point as the case moves toward trial, with observers noting that her willingness to cooperate with legal authorities could significantly impact the proceedings.
Impact on the Ha Sisters’ Brand
The incident has reverberated beyond the courtroom, drawing intense scrutiny toward the Ha Sisters, the popular content-creation trio comprising Evelyn, Erica, and Emily. Known for their candid lifestyle and fashion vlogs, the sisters have seen a surge in online attention as audiences revisit older content in light of the allegations.
While the trio has continued to upload videos consistent with their established brand, including recent birthday celebrations, the public narrative surrounding their personal lives remains under heightened observation.
The emergence of Ha’s public statement marks a decisive shift in the case, moving the narrative from a private dispute to a high-profile legal battle that pits conflicting accounts of domestic violence against claims of self-defense, with the influencer’s platform serving as a central venue for her testimony.
–Taken from Evelyn Ha Breaks Silence Following Ben Pasternak Arrest, published by Azat Tv
