Social media fitness influencer Wes Watson pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated battery stemming from a confrontation at a Miami-Dade County gym, bringing the case closer to resolution ahead of his sentencing later this month.
Watson, 42, entered the plea in Miami-Dade County court under a negotiated agreement with prosecutors.
As part of the deal, prosecutors recommended a 21-month prison sentence, with credit for time already served, followed by seven years of probation and court-mandated mental health treatment.
His sentencing is set for July 17.
Watson, a former inmate who gained a large online audience after prison as a fitness and motivational personality, was charged following a Dec. 29, 2024, incident at Elevation Fitness in Miami-Dade County.
He has built a following of millions across social media platforms, where his content centers on fitness, discipline, entrepreneurship and his post-prison life.
According to an arrest affidavit, Watson told officers who responded to the scene that he was exercising when the alleged victim approached him and said he wanted to fight.
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Investigators said surveillance video captured Watson striking the man with a weightlifting belt during the altercation.
During Thursday’s hearing, Watson’s attorney argued the circumstances surrounding the incident were unusual, saying the alleged victim intentionally sought out his client because of Watson’s online notoriety.
“There’s been a lot that’s been argued in this case about stand your ground,” defense attorney Eric Clayman said, according to Local 10.
“What’s unique is you have an alleged victim that sought somebody out because of his presence online.
“This guy bought a plane ticket, came through New Jersey, showed up at the gym for the sole purpose of confronting Mr. Watson. That turned into something else.”
The Miami-Dade case is separate from multiple pending felony cases Watson faces in neighboring Broward County.
Prosecutors there have charged him with felony battery, aggravated assault, witness tampering and charges related to an alleged domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend. Those charges remain pending.
The Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for additional comment.
