Why Don't We singer Jack Avery has publicly addressed the recent arrest and charges against his ex-partner, Gabriela Gonzalez, who is also the mother of his daughter. Gonzalez, along with her father Francisco Gonzalez and former boyfriend Kai Cordery, stands accused of attempting to hire a hitman to kill Avery.

In a message posted to his Instagram account on Thursday, May 21, Avery revealed that three individuals were arrested in connection with the alleged plot, identifying one as the mother of his child. He stated that for years, he and his family have endured intense public scrutiny, false accusations, and painful attacks on their character, choosing to remain silent previously out of respect for the legal process and, most importantly, for his daughter.

Avery emphasized that his current focus is on being the best father he can be, expressing gratitude for having sole custody of their 7-year-old daughter, who he confirmed is safe and healthy. He extended thanks to his family, friends, and law enforcement for their support, concluding his statement with, “Always seek the truth.” His bandmates from Why Don't We also showed their solidarity in the comments section; Daniel Seavey praised Avery's unbelievable strength, Jonah Marais simply wrote, “Love you,” and Corbyn Besson shared three prayer hands emojis.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the arrests and charges in a press release on May 19. Gabriela Gonzalez, described as a social media influencer, her father Francisco Gonzalez, and Kai Cordery have each been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. L.A. County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman remarked on the defendants allegedly going to great lengths to find someone to commit murder, noting the unusual involvement of a father in such a sinister plot.

According to the press release, the alleged plot stemmed from a custody dispute between Gabriela and Avery over their daughter. It is accused that between 2020 and 2021, Gabriela sought assistance from her then-boyfriend Cordrey to hire someone on the dark web to kill Avery. The district attorney’s office further detailed that an undercover officer posed as a hitman. Cordery allegedly informed the officer that Avery was the intended target, discussed payment and proof of death, and stated that Gabriela instigated the murder plot. Her father, Francisco, allegedly provided Cordery with $10,000 to facilitate the hiring and payment of the hitman.

On the same day their arrests and charges were announced, Avery filed a restraining order against Gabriela Gonzalez, having been notified by the FBI about the plot to take his life. If convicted on their charges, the three accused individuals each face a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.