Second pre-trial conference scheduled in Ludwig Kaiser battery case
Ludwig Kaiser’s legal case is continuing into next month with another pre-trial conference scheduled for late August.
The first pre-trial conference in the battery case was held in Orlando, Florida on Thursday. Kaiser (Marcel Barthel) himself was not present but was represented by his attorney. Court logs show that the session ended with another conference being set for Thursday, August 27. Whether the case ever reaches trial remains to be seen, but the initial August 10-28 trial period is now out the window with Kaiser waiving his right to a speedy trial. Records show that the defense was granted a continuance today.
Kaiser is facing a misdemeanor battery charge relating to an April 23 incident between himself and another resident of the Orlando apartment complex he was living at. Kaiser and the alleged victim (Richard Reap) have differing versions of events, but both agree that the incident started after Kaiser and girlfriend Andrea Bazarte were being affectionate toward each other while in an elevator. Reap says he told the couple to have some manners, which led to Kaiser attacking him.
Ludwig Kaiser’s version of events —
A filing that was made earlier this week shared Kaiser’s side of the story. In his version, Reap swore at the couple and later referred to Bazarte as a “bitch” while threatening to call ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) on her. A confrontation then ensued, but Kaiser claims he did not touch Reap until Reap started “aggressively raising his hands and getting very close to him.” Kaiser admits to pushing Reap twice, with the second push happening when Reap “came back toward the elevator again in a threatening manner.”
Kaiser says Reap threw a soft drink bottle at him, but he did not retaliate and left the area with Bazarte before the incident could escalate further.
The defense is attempting to get the case dismissed under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law, claiming Kaiser was justified in using non-deadly force against Reap because he reasonably believed that it was necessary to protect himself and Bazarte against “imminent use of unlawful force.”
Surveillance video will likely be the most important evidence if the case does go to trial. In the original arrest affidavit, it’s said that a police officer reviewed the footage and saw Reap being punched and pushed. There is no mention of punches in Kaiser’s version of events. Police also say the officer saw a “large, fresh scratch” on Reap’s head when they observed him in person.
Kaiser’s WWE career has not been significantly impacted by the incident. He’s allowed to travel freely while the case plays out, and there’s reportedly no heat on Kaiser from WWE over the situation. One of the best moments of Kaiser’s career so far took place on May 30 when he (as El Grande Americano) defeated Chad Gable (Original El Grande Americano) in a highly praised mask vs. mask match for Lucha Libre AAA.
Reap has obtained his own attorney, signifying that he is likely considering a civil case against Kaiser.
Pre-trial conferences are where the defense and prosecution meet and attempt to determine whether a case is going to trial or if a plea deal can be reached.
Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.
In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.