Criminal charges have been filed in Massachusetts against a controversial internet personality who has attracted millions of followers through promotion of extreme and dangerous body modification practices.
Braden Peters, age 20, who operates online under the name Clavicular, faces three criminal charges in Massachusetts court: one count of rape, one count of drugging someone for sexual intercourse, and one count of procuring liquor for someone under 21 years old. Court records indicate the charges were filed on September 8, stemming from alleged offenses that occurred on May 23, 2025.
The court has scheduled an arraignment for October 14. Additional details regarding the specific allegations have not been made available at this time, and no attorney of record was listed in the court documents as of Monday evening.
A representative for Peters, identified as Mitchell Jackson, disputed characterizations of the charges, stating in a text message that Peters “has not been physically served” with an arrest warrant. Jackson did not address the substance of the charges themselves.
Peters has achieved significant visibility on social media platforms by promoting a trend called “looksmaxxing,” which the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as the practice of taking sometimes extreme or dangerous measures intended to increase physical attractiveness. Peters has been particularly associated with a practice known as “bone smashing,” in which individuals use hammers to intentionally break facial bones with the stated goal of having them heal in a more aesthetically pleasing manner. Medical professionals have warned that such practices carry serious health risks.
The Massachusetts charges represent the latest in a series of legal difficulties for the young influencer. In April, a teenage social media personality filed a civil lawsuit against Peters in Miami-Dade County, Florida. That lawsuit alleged that Peters arranged for her travel to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, provided her with vodka until she became intoxicated, and then engaged in sexual activity with her while she was in that condition. Court records do not indicate whether the current criminal charges relate to the allegations contained in that civil complaint.
Peters’ attorney responded to those civil allegations by stating his client denies the accusations and intends to mount a vigorous defense.
Also in April, Peters and two other individuals were charged in Florida with shooting at an alligator. Peters and one other defendant pleaded no contest to unlawfully discharging a firearm in public. They received sentences of six months probation and 20 hours of community service.
That same month, Peters was hospitalized in Miami following a suspected drug overdose. In a livestream broadcast after his release from the hospital, Peters stated he would not be using substances for some time, expressing hope that he would abstain permanently.
The case raises broader questions about the influence of social media personalities who encourage dangerous behavior among impressionable young followers, and the legal accountability that may follow when online activities intersect with alleged criminal conduct.
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