Controversial influencer Clavicular has been arrested on a battery charge, the Broward County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed.
Law enforcement sources told several publications, including People, that the ‘looksmaxxing’ figure was taken into custody in Florida. Specifics around what led to the arrest have not yet been publicly clarified.
The creator, whose real name is Braden Eric Peters, drew widespread attention earlier this week after online footage appeared to show him on a boat during an incident involving an alligator.
At this stage, it has not been confirmed whether the reported misdemeanor assault charge is connected to the video.
The clip, obtained by TMZ, shows a man seated near Peters revealing a firearm before firing toward an alligator in the water.
Peters then appears to pull a pistol from his shorts and shoot in the same direction. After multiple shots, he stated ‘just had to make sure’, before adding: “I think it’s dead.”
After the video circulated widely, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission addressed the footage in a statement: “The FWC is aware of a video depicting individuals in the Everglades on an airboat who appear to be discharging firearms at an alligator.
“FWC officers are looking into the incident and will provide additional information when available. To report wildlife violations, call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.”
Jay Collins, who is running for Governor of Florida, also weighed in on X, writing: “FWC is investigating and I have full confidence in their officers. Florida’s wildlife and waterways deserve respect, not content farming.
“Under my watch, anyone who abuses wildlife in Florida will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
“Looking forward to seeing charges pressed against those who would brazenly disrespect our laws.”
If Peters were to face a charge for firing a gun in a public place — a first-degree misdemeanor — and is convicted, penalties could include up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
Requests for comment have been sent to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office and to Clavicular.
Peters is associated with the ‘looksmaxxing’ community, an online subculture in which participants pursue drastic measures aimed at achieving what they consider an ideal appearance.
Michael Halpin, a sociology professor at Dalhousie University who researched the trend last year, has described some of the damaging messages he observed being directed at men within those spaces.
“We saw numerous men being told that they’re beyond help, beyond saving,” he told CBC.
“It’s like, your appearance is set, nothing you can do will help you and you should complete suicide because looks are all that matter and you’re going to have a terrible life because you’re an ugly man.”