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Her ex tried to smother her with a pillow “I had to play dead” – Leyla Heiter experienced domestic violence in a previous relationship
Leyla Heiter
picture alliance / BoKo pictures | Boris Korpak
What she experienced leaves you speechless.
Leyla Heiter (29) is happy today with her husband Mike Heiter (33). The two reality stars got married in the summer of 2025 after their jungle love. But in the past, the 29-year-old had to experience bad moments in one of her ex-relationships.
In order to survive, Leyla Heiter played dead
Talks about her experiences with domestic violence Leyla Heiter in talk format “deep and clear”. An Instagram post says: “Leyla Heiter experienced extreme physical violence in one of her previous ex-relationships. Her ex-boyfriend tried to suffocate her with a pillow twice.”
Reading tip: Violence against women: These contact points will help you
In the conversation, Leyla explains that she was initially “really in love,” “but suddenly you were insulted more often than you heard the word 'sweetheart'.” Then it started that she was beaten regularly, “just like that,” emphasized the influencer. “He also tried to suffocate me with a pillow twice, which was violent.” She felt such a survival mode at that moment that she thought she had to play dead now, “because then he'll stop to see if he's made it.” Her instinctive reaction actually helped her out of the situation; two people “then got her out of there”.
Video tip: Leyla and Mike Heiter on cloud nine – surprising congratulations on the wedding!
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This is how the ex-jungle camp candidate got away from her violent ex
In another situation, six police cars were at her door “because he beat me so badly and my jaw was broken and I was in the hospital.” As another example, Leyla Heiter talks about how her ex-boyfriend became violent because he missed a football game because of her. Despite all the bad experiences, she always stayed. She was still young and perhaps didn't even know what love actually was because her parents separated. “I was blind and naive.” Even her surroundings had no influence on her. During her participation in the jungle camp in 2024, she spoke openly about her bad experiences in the past.
The “good thing” was that her ex-partner cheated on her and then separated from her. At the latest when a friend of hers got together with her ex-boyfriend, she was able to draw a line in the sand. Leyla spoke to her husband about her experiences, which continue to shape her to this day. “It’s important to discuss everything”explained Mike Heiter: “For example, I know that when we argue, she needs a little time for herself.” (spot on news/dga)
Are you affected by domestic violence?
Is there domestic violence in your life too? You can find people you can talk to about this on the free number 08000 – 116 016 or at www.hilfetelefon.de.
Sources used: spot on news, Instagram
