Braden Peters, a 20-year-old internet personality known as "Clavicular," entered a not guilty plea on Thursday in Orleans District Court in Massachusetts regarding charges of alleged rape. Peters arrived at the courthouse accompanied by a barking dog, which former criminal defense attorney Ted Williams told Fox News Digital could serve as a support mechanism for the defendant. A court clerk confirmed that Peters posted $10,000 in bail related to the charges and was not jailed prior to his arraignment, appearing instead in response to a summons.
The alleged incident occurred in 2025 at Peters' family home in Cape Cod and involved a 17-year-old victim. According to previous reporting by Fox News Digital, the victim stated she messaged Peters online to connect and create content. Peters allegedly arranged for an Uber to transport her to his residence, where he served her alcohol. Police reported that the victim became intoxicated to the point where she was unable to consent to sex.
In a memorandum filed on Wednesday, Peters' attorneys requested the court release him on cash bail. The defense argued that Peters is neither a flight risk nor a danger to the community. They offered for him to surrender his passport and maintain no contact with the alleged victim. David Meier, Peters' attorney, stated in a statement that Peters categorically denies the allegations. Meier noted that the allegations first surfaced in June 2026 when the complainant and her Florida attorney appeared together at the Chatham Police Department shortly before filing an amended civil lawsuit seeking thousands of dollars from Peters.
Peters has amassed over one million followers on Instagram, where he is known for rating people's appearances via livestream and offering advice such as surgery and personal training. This is not his first legal encounter; he was previously arrested in Kissimmee, Florida, on battery charges following a reported fight between two women at an Airbnb property.
Williams said it is not unusual for a defendant to bring a dog to court if the animal remains outside on a leash or with a caretaker. However, he noted it would be unusual for the animal to be allowed inside the courthouse, as dogs are generally not permitted in courtrooms. The Cape & Islands District Attorney's Office declined to comment on Thursday's proceedings due to the pending case.