Masked Protesters Support Influencer Facing Rape Charges in Melbourne

Masked individuals gathered at Melbourne's State Library on Sunday to express support for an American influencer known online as Clavicular, who has been charged with rape and other offenses. The protest drew counter-protesters and police intervention.

Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, faces charges including rape, drugging a person for sexual intercourse, and procuring alcohol for someone under 21. These charges stem from an alleged incident in May 2025. Peters, 20, is scheduled for arraignment in a Massachusetts state court on October 14.

The protest in Melbourne, thousands of miles from where the alleged crimes occurred, sparked questions on social media about the connection between the Australian demonstrators and the American influencer.

Footage showed about eight individuals unfurling a banner reading 'Free Clav' on the steps of the State Library. Counter-protesters intervened, attempting to remove the banner and chanting slogans that included "Off our streets, Nazi scum!" Victoria Police were present to disperse the crowd.

Peters' spokesperson, Mitchell Jackson, stated that the accuser had previously filed a civil lawsuit against Peters. Jackson claimed the accuser and her attorney approached the police after Peters sought to dismiss the lawsuit and "refused to pay money."

According to court documents, the accuser reported Peters to Chatham police on June 4. She stated she initially communicated with Peters via Instagram, and he later paid her to appear in videos he produced centered around the "looksmaxxing" trend. The accuser, whose name was redacted from charging documents, reported that Peters was aware she was 17 at the time of the alleged incident. She stated Peters asked her to lie about her age during a livestream and gave her vodka, which she believed to be water.

The accuser told police she became increasingly intoxicated. A clip from Peters' livestream, reviewed by police, captured the accuser saying, "wait I'm so drunk" before they kissed. She reported waking up the next morning to Peters having sexual intercourse with her without her consent.

"Looksmaxxing" is described as an online subculture focused on enhancing physical attractiveness. Peters has become a notable figure within this trend on platforms like TikTok. The source notes mention that Peters has been known to endorse practices, such as breaking facial bones to encourage stronger regrowth, which medical experts do not recommend.

If convicted of rape, Peters faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and would be required to register as a sex offender.