Police disperse masked Melbourne rally backing US influencer charged over alleged rape
Eight masked men gathered at Melbourne’s State Library on Sunday to support American looksmaxxing influencer Clavicular, also known as Braden Peters, who has been charged in the United States. Counter-protesters challenged the group and tried to remove its “Free Clav” banner; a scuffle followed, and police intervened to disperse the masked protesters. The rally drew online criticism from people questioning why an American influencer’s case had prompted a protest in Australia.
Peters, 20, faces charges of rape, drugging a person for sexual intercourse and procuring alcohol for someone under 21, relating to an alleged incident in Massachusetts in May 2025. Police documents say the accuser, who was 17, reported that Peters gave her vodka, directed her to say she was 18 during a livestream, and later had sex with her while she was asleep; these are allegations, and the case is pending. He is due in court on 14 October, and a conviction for rape could carry up to 20 years in prison and sex-offender registration.
- Masked men rallied in Melbourne in support of influencer Clavicular.
- Police intervened after counter-protesters challenged the group.
- Peters denies the charges through his spokesperson; the case is pending.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Presumption of innocence and due process are foundational to justice; Peters has been charged but not convicted, and these remain allegations to be tested in court. People have the right to publicly support the accused, which is essential to free speech and democratic principle. The severity of charges strengthens rather than weakens the need for proper procedure—precisely because stakes are high, procedures must be scrupulously fair and public pressure must not predetermine legal outcomes.
The case against
Allegations of rape, particularly involving drugging a minor and sexual assault whilst unconscious, are categorically grave; organising public rallies supporting the accused sends a message minimising such violence and may discourage survivors from coming forward. Presumption of innocence is a legal standard for courts, not an obligation for the public to organise celebrations for the accused. One can believe in fair trial and due process whilst maintaining that public support for the defendant is inappropriate given the grave specificity of these allegations.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Cops intervene as masked men rally in support of ‘looksmaxxer’ Clavicular in Melbourne after he was charged with rape”.