A social media influencer was taken into custody in Nashville on Friday night following a confrontation at an upscale steakhouse that resulted in charges of theft of services, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
Dalton Eatherly, who operates online under the name 'Chud the Builder,' was dining at Bob's Chop House when the incident occurred. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local outlet WSMV, restaurant staff repeatedly asked Eatherly to stop filming while dining, as his live-streaming activity was disturbing other patrons.
The situation escalated when Eatherly had ordered nearly $400.00 worth of food and drinks. After being confronted by staff about his streaming, the influencer allegedly began yelling and using racial slurs before announcing he would not pay the bill despite consuming the food. Officers were called to the scene, and Eatherly was subsequently arrested after allegedly resisting the responding officers.
Davidson County booking records indicate Eatherly was held on a combined $5,000 bond. The arrest represents a significant legal consequence for an individual who has cultivated an online following through inflammatory content, including what observers describe as confrontational livestreams in public spaces.
Following his release after 13 hours in custody, Eatherly took to social media platform X to share his account of the events. In his posts, he disputed the circumstances of the bill, stating: "I partially ate the two appetizers i ordered. Never got my meal, and couldnt enjoy or finish the food i did get. He said on camera 'ok just go then'. Hes mad i called him short."
The incident has sparked considerable discussion online about the responsibilities and boundaries of content creators who engage in confrontational behavior for social media engagement. According to comments circulating on Reddit, Eatherly is reportedly banned from most bars in the Broadway area, suggesting a pattern of disruptive behavior in Nashville establishments.
One Reddit commenter noted: "Dude's been running around Broadway filming content of himself using racial slurs, macing people, etc. for weeks." The comment reflects growing frustration among Nashville residents and business owners dealing with disruptive influencer behavior in public spaces.
The arrest has reignited broader conversations about the business model behind outrage-driven content creation. Social media users have questioned the sustainability and ethics of platforms that reward inflammatory behavior with attention and engagement. One Reddit user commented: "And that's the part that really gets me… this whole idea that 'free speech' somehow means 'I can be as cruel and hateful as I want and nobody is allowed to react'."
For Nashville restaurant owners and hospitality workers, the incident highlights ongoing challenges in managing customers who prioritize content creation over respect for establishment policies and fellow patrons. Bob's Chop House has not issued a public statement regarding the incident.
The case raises questions about how businesses can effectively enforce policies against disruptive filming while navigating the complex landscape of social media culture. As content creation becomes increasingly intertwined with public behavior, establishments across Nashville may need to develop clearer protocols for addressing similar situations.
Eatherly's legal proceedings will continue as he faces the three charges stemming from Friday night's incident. The outcome may set precedents for how similar cases involving social media influencers and public disturbances are handled in Davidson County.
