Home / Crime and Justice / Ex-Con Influencer Pleads Guilty to Gym Assault
Ex-Con Influencer Pleads Guilty to Gym Assault
9 Jul
Summary
- Influencer Wes Watson pleaded guilty to aggravated battery last week.
- Watson used his weightlifting belt to strike a victim multiple times.
- The victim suffered a fractured face and concussion from the attack.
Social media influencer Wes Watson, 42, recently pleaded guilty to aggravated battery stemming from a violent incident that occurred in 2024. Watson, who operates the YouTube channel GP Penitentiary Life and works as a personal trainer, was involved in an altercation at Elevation Fitness in Miami. The victim, Hakeem Ibrahim, traveled from New Jersey to confront Watson, leading to a physical dispute captured by gym security cameras.
Surveillance footage showed Watson removing his weightlifting belt and repeatedly striking Ibrahim, continuing the assault even after the victim fell. Ibrahim reportedly sustained a fractured face, concussion, and two black eyes. Although Watson claimed self-defense, citing concerns about Ibrahim carrying a weapon, he was arrested months after the incident. Ibrahim has since filed a civil lawsuit against Watson.
A plea deal has been reached, proposing a 21-month prison sentence for Watson, with credit for time served, followed by seven years of probation. His attorneys are seeking a reduced sentence at a new hearing scheduled for later this month. The victim's legal team emphasized the importance of accountability for the alleged severe injuries sustained by Ibrahim.
