Wes Watson, a social media fitness influencer, pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on Thursday related to an incident at a gym in Miami-Dade County. This plea comes as part of a deal with prosecutors ahead of his sentencing later this month.
The 42-year-old entered his plea in Miami-Dade County Court, where prosecutors recommended a sentence of 21 months in prison, counting time already served, followed by seven years of probation and mandatory mental health treatment.
His sentencing is set for July 17th.
Watson, who gained notoriety as a fitness influencer and motivational speaker after being released from prison, was charged following a confrontation on December 29, 2024, at Elevation Fitness in Miami-Dade.
He has millions of followers on social media, where he shares content centered on fitness, discipline, entrepreneurship, and his life post-incarceration.
According to an arrest affidavit, Watson reported to officers that he was lifting weights when the victim approached him with the intention to fight.
Investigators noted that surveillance footage captured Watson hitting the man with a weightlifting belt during the altercation.
During the hearing, Watson’s attorney claimed the situation was unusual, asserting that the victim approached Watson due to his online fame.
“What’s different here is that the alleged victim sought out someone based on their social media presence,” defense attorney Eric Kleiman said, as per Local 10. “This man bought a plane ticket, traveled through New Jersey, and showed up at the gym just to confront Mr. Watson, which escalated into something else.”
This case in Miami-Dade is distinct from several felony charges Watson faces in Broward County, including assault, aggravated assault, witness tampering, and charges related to a domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend, which are still pending.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office has not provided immediate comments on the matter.
