Social media fitness influencer Wes Watson pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery in connection with a confrontation at a Miami-Dade County gym. The plea resolves the case ahead of a sentencing hearing scheduled for July 17.
Watson, 42, entered the guilty plea in Miami-Dade County court as part of a negotiated agreement with prosecutors. The deal includes a recommended sentence of 21 months in prison, with credit for time already served, followed by seven years of probation and court-ordered mental health treatment.
The case stems from a Dec. 29, 2024, altercation at Elevation Fitness in Miami-Dade County. Watson, who gained a significant online following by sharing content about fitness, discipline, entrepreneurship, and his life after prison, was charged following the incident.
According to an arrest affidavit, Watson told responding officers that the victim approached him and expressed a desire to fight. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Watson striking the man with a weightlifting belt during the confrontation.
During the hearing, Watson's attorney argued that the alleged victim intentionally sought out his client due to Watson's online notoriety. "There's been a lot that's been argued in this case about stand your ground," defense attorney Eric Clayman stated, according to Local 10. "What's unique is you have an alleged victim that sought somebody out because of his presence online. This guy bought a plane ticket, came through New Jersey, showed up at the gym for the sole purpose of confronting Mr. Watson. That turned into something else."
The Miami-Dade case is separate from multiple felony cases Watson currently faces in neighboring Broward County. Those pending charges include felony battery, aggravated assault, witness tampering, and charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident. Those cases remain unresolved.