Masked Men Rally for 'Looksmaxxing' Influencer Charged with Rape in Melbourne
Protesters supporting influencer Clavicular, also known as Braden Peters, clashed with counter-protesters outside Melbourne's State Library.
Masked individuals gathered in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday to show support for American "looksmaxxing" influencer Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, following his recent charges for rape and drugging a minor. The group, described as eight-strong and hooded, unfurled a banner reading "Free Clav" on the steps of the State Library.
Their demonstration was met with intervention from counter-protesters who attempted to remove the banner and chanted slogans against the group. Victoria Police were present to disperse the gathering, and scuffles broke out between the two factions. The incident drew public attention on social media, with many questioning the geographical disconnect of a protest in Australia for an American influencer.
Peters, 20, faces charges including rape, drugging a person for sexual intercourse, and procuring alcohol for an individual under 21. These charges stem from an alleged incident in May 2025. He is scheduled for arraignment in Massachusetts on October 14. His spokesperson stated that the accuser had previously filed a lawsuit against Peters and approached the police after Peters sought to dismiss the case and refused a financial settlement.
According to court documents, the accuser reported the incident to Chatham police on June 4. She stated that she initially communicated with Peters via Instagram, and he later paid her to participate in "looksmaxxing" videos. The accuser, whose name is redacted in charging documents, claimed that Peters was aware she was 17 at the time of the alleged incident. She reported that Peters instructed her to falsely claim she was 18 during a Twitch livestream and offered her vodka, which he allegedly claimed was water.
The accuser told police she became increasingly intoxicated. A livestream clip reviewed by investigators reportedly showed the accuser stating, "wait I'm so drunk" before she and Peters kissed, according to the police report. She further stated that she fell asleep in Peters' bed and awoke the following morning to find him having sex with her without her consent.
"Looksmaxxing" is an online subculture centered on maximizing physical attractiveness. Peters has become a notable figure within this trend, amassing a significant following on platforms like TikTok. He has been known to endorse practices related to "looksmaxxing" that medical experts advise against. If convicted of rape, Peters faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.