‘I Have Gun Next To My Nightstand’, Jesse And Ashley Ridgway Open Up About Threats Amid Abortion Row

After receiving significant backlash, popular YouTube creator, Jesse Ridgway, better known as McJuggerNuggets, and his wife, Ashley, have opened up about the stringent security measures they had to take. The couple had made headlines after they opened up about their decision to terminate a pregnancy due to a down syndrome diagnosis. Since then, the couple has been receiving death threats and harassment, leaving them fearful for their safety. 

Jesse and Ashley Ridgway reveal their extreme security measures 

Jesse and Ashley Ridgway recently sat down for a live conversation with TMZ. During their chat, they revealed that the backlash against them has increased significantly. In turn, they are left with no option but to keep a firearm next to their bedside. According to Jesse, the couple has also installed a special security gate at their New Jersey home following the threats. They admitted that they are receiving highly intimidating messages through email, direct messages, and other platforms. In their words:

“With the death threats and everything, it has been shocking. People close to us are very judgmental. Religious-based saying we’re going to burn in hell. We deserve to die. We had a gate installed. I have a gun next to my nightstand because it’s been getting so ridiculous, and I have been coming to emails, DMs, you name it.”

Jesse confessed that he witnessed the darkest side of humanity during their ordeal. At the same time, Ashley also addressed the criticism on the internet. Despite the backlash, she said that hearing the views of women who faced similar situations has reassured her. In turn, she believes that sharing their experience publicly was the right choice. However, the couple admitted that they might think differently now about how much of their private lives they will share online in the future. 

What is the controversy around Ashley’s pregnancy and its termination? 

The whole controversy started earlier this year, in March 2026, when the couple announced that they were expecting their first child together. They initially planned to share a gender reveal video with their followers at the same time. However, while checking the medical documents on camera, they found out that their unborn baby had a high chance of having Trisomy 21. It is commonly known as down syndrome. Jesse mentioned that further medical testing confirmed the diagnosis. 

In turn, they consulted with multiple doctors, genetic counselors, family members, and friends. However, they ultimately took the difficult call of terminating their pregnancy. Jesse explained their reasoning behind the decision and said it was “traumatic” and “extremely devastating” for both him and Ashley. The YouTuber revealed that initially, they believed they could manage the challenges connected with down syndrome. But further discussions with medical professionals helped them understand the potential complications and long-term realities of the child’s future life. However, it started a widespread debate, leaving netizens divided.

More about Jesse and Ashley Ridgway 

Jesse Ridgway is one of the most popular YouTube content creators. He goes by his online name, McJuggerNuggets. Over time, Jesse built an audience of more than 4 million subscribers through scripted web series such as The Psycho Series and The Devil Inside. On the other hand, Ashley Ridgway rose to fame for dating Jesse in 2019. Gradually, her presence increased in his videos. Despite their brief split in 2020, they later reconciled and continued to date. Eventually, the couple got married in a beach wedding in October 2025.

Pic credits: Jesse Ridgway/ Instagram 

What do you think about the Jesse and Ashley Ridgway’s decision to increase their security measures amid death threats? 

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