A social media personality known for extreme body modification is facing criminal charges stemming from a livestreamed incident in the Everglades involving the shooting of an alligator. Braden Eric Peters, who uses the name Clavicular online, was charged with unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place, according to court records obtained by local media.
The incident occurred during a March 26 livestream. Peters was aboard an airboat in the Everglades when the shooting took place, with footage showing him firing at what appeared to be an already dead alligator. Two other individuals were also charged in connection with the episode: Andrew Morales, known online as "The Cuban Tarzan," and Yabdiel Anibal Cotto Torres.
Peters' attorney released a statement saying the influencer was following directions from a licensed airboat guide and that no animals or people were injured. The lawyer emphasized that once the full circumstances are understood, the public will recognize the incident for what it actually was.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission acknowledged awareness of the video and stated that officers were investigating. The misdemeanor charge carries a potential fine of $1,000 and possible jail time or probation.
Peters has built a significant following as one of the most visible practitioners of "looksmaxxing," a self-improvement practice focused on maximizing physical attractiveness through methods including steroids, surgery, and intense training regimens. His rise to prominence has been marked by media profiles, television appearances, and a string of controversial incidents that have kept him in the public eye.
Earlier this year, Peters was arrested on battery charges after an alleged altercation in Kissimmee involving his girlfriend and another woman. Authorities claimed he later posted footage of the violence on social media. In other incidents, Peters has livestreamed what appeared to be running over a pedestrian and was filmed alongside prominent misogynist influencer Andrew Tate at a nightclub.
Morales' attorney issued his own statement urging caution before drawing conclusions, noting that prosecutors have made no allegation that any animal suffered injury.
Author James Rodriguez: "Peters has built a following by courting controversy, but charging someone for shooting an apparently dead alligator on a guided airboat tour feels like prosecutors swinging for the fences on a weak case."
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