WWE Star Ludwig Kaiser Arrested in Florida: What Happened?
WWE wrestler Ludwig Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, was arrested in Florida and accused of battery, Men's Journal has documented. The affidavit, obtained by Men's Journal, accuses Kaiser of punching and pushing a random man who made a comment to him after riding in an elevator with him.
Online court records reviewed by Men's Journal show that Barthel is accused of first-degree misdemeanor battery. The arrest affidavit, which you can read here, gives his citizenship as Germany. The case is listed in Orange County, FL, courts, and the investigating agency was the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
According to Fox News, Kaiser's real name is Marcel Barthel. He also performs as El Grande Americano. His attorneys filed a motion asking that he be allowed to travel, including internationally. "Mr. Barthel is an international performer who is required to travel throughout the United States and around the world to remain employed," it reads. "Mr. Barthel has no prior criminal history anywhere in the world and is not a danger to others. He maintains his innocence and has retained undersigned counsel to assist him in this matter." Barthel entered a not guilty plea.
"Defendant turned himself in on an Active Arrest Warrant - served at the Booking and Release Center. Warrant was confirmed and faxed by OCSO Warrants Unit. Bond is set at S1,000.00," the arrest affidavit's summary says.
Marcel Barthel AKA Ludwig Kaiser Was Arrested After an Incident in an Elevator at His Apartment Complex, Reports Say
On April 23, 2026, at approximately 1837 hours, "I, Ofc. V. Cortes (39349), responded to the
Paramount on Lake Eola Apartments, located at 415 E. Pine St., in reference to a reported battery," the warrant says.
"Upon arrival, I made contact with the complainant/victim, Richard Reap. Reap stated he was battered by an unknown white male just outside the elevator on the 12th floor," the warrant alleges. "Reap advised that at approximately 1830 hours, he entered the elevator and was followed by an unknown white male and an unknown white female."
The warrant continues: "Reap stated that as the elevator ascended, the male and female began acting in an 'uncontrollably intimate' manner, which he described as aggressively kissing."
According to the warrant, "Reap stated that once the elevator reached the 12th floor, he exited the elevator and told the couple to 'please have some manners.' Reap advised that immediately after making the statement, the unknown male began attacking him."
"Reap described the attack as the male punching him multiple times and pushing him to the ground. Reap further stated the male made threats of additional violence toward him," alleges the affidavit.
"Reap advised he believes the suspect is a resident of the apartment building and stated he wished to pursue criminal charges."
A Police Officer Observed a 'Large, Fresh Scratch' on Richard Reap's Head, the Affidavit Says
According to the officer's affidavit, he "observed a large, fresh scratch on the back of Reap's head, along with redness in the same area, consistent with a recent physical altercation."
Police subsequently reviewed surveillance footage from the 12th floor "and observed a white male punching and pushing Reap outside of the elevator at approximately the same time as reported," the document alleges.
"Through investigative means, Ofc. Benavides and I identified a possible suspect as Marcel Barthel, who matched the description observed in the surveillance footage. It should be noted that Barthel is a current resident of the apartment complex."
Reap then picked Barthel out of a line up, the document alleges. At that point, the warrant was issued.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 21, 2026 at 9:14 AM.