Clavicular case explained: Experts reveal how livestreams and social media may affect the trial

Controversial influencer Clavicular, whose real name is Braden Peters, is facing serious criminal allegations in Massachusetts, including rape and drugging someone for sexual intercourse. The 20-year-old creator has not been taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on October 14. As prosecutors prepare their case, legal expert Seth Zuckerman has explained how Peters’ livestreams, social media posts and material he has publicly shared could become important evidence.Clavicular rape charge and the role of social mediaThe allegations centre on an incident that police say occurred on May 23, 2025, at Peters’ family home in Chatham, Massachusetts. According to the criminal complaint, the alleged victim was 17 at the time.Investigators reportedly reviewed livestream footage connected to the incident. The complaint says the teenager allegedly felt “peer-pressured” to drink and that Peters knew her age. The case includes charges of rape, drugging someone for sexual intercourse and procuring liquor for someone under 21.Seth Zuckerman, a former New York City prosecutor and celebrity criminal defence attorney, said prosecutors could rely heavily on available footage.“The prosecutors will use any and all videos that corroborate their allegations,” Zuckerman tells PEOPLE of the case.He also explained that other material could potentially become relevant if prosecutors argue it shows a pattern or supports their version of events.“They will also use these videos if they constitute prior bad acts for which he cannot be charged but which help demonstrate their theory,” Zuckerman adds.The charges remain allegations, and Peters has not been convicted in the case.Clavicular’s posts could create legal risksPeters has publicly discussed the controversy through his social media accounts. He has shared videos that appear connected to the alleged livestream, along with messages exchanged with the woman identified by other reports as the alleged victim.Zuckerman said Peters’ decision to publicly release material could have consequences beyond public opinion.“He is releasing evidence that he believes tends to disprove the allegations as a public relations ploy,” Zuckerman explains to PEOPLE. “Any statement he makes about the allegations can be used against him in any proceeding, including the criminal case.”The case also overlaps with a civil lawsuit filed earlier by influencer Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza, known online as Alorah Ziva. Peters has denied her allegations through his attorney.According to Zuckerman, the civil proceedings could affect the criminal case because statements made during the lawsuit may become relevant. His lawyers could seek to pause that case while the criminal proceedings continue.Peters has also faced unrelated legal matters, including a Florida firearm case that ended with a no-contest plea and probation. Zuckerman noted that whether prior incidents can be introduced at trial will ultimately depend on a judge’s ruling.If convicted of the top charge, Peters could face up to 20 years in prison. Zuckerman said a case of this complexity could take 12 to 18 months or longer to reach a verdict.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.