Ludwig Kaiser is now officially telling his side of the story—and his legal team wants the entire case thrown out.
Just one day before his scheduled pre-trial conference, the WWE star’s attorneys filed a new motion asking the court to dismiss the misdemeanor battery charge against him, arguing that Kaiser acted in self-defense during the April altercation and is protected under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law.
The filing marks the first detailed account of what Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, claims happened during the incident at an Orlando apartment complex on April 23, 2026.
According to the alleged victim, Richard Reap, the confrontation started after he saw Kaiser and a woman allegedly kissing aggressively inside an elevator. Reap claims he told them to “please have some manners,” which then led to Kaiser attacking him.
Kaiser’s version of events is very different. According to the new filing, Kaiser and his girlfriend, WWE and AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were simply hugging inside the elevator when Reap allegedly became angry and began swearing at them. The defense claims that after Kaiser asked Reap what he had said, Reap responded with a comment directed at Bazarte.
“The elevator stopped at the 12th floor where Mr. Reap exited, and as he exited Mr. Reap made loud comments to Mr. Barthel and his girlfriend to the effect of, ‘Have some f**ing respect.’ Apparently, Mr. Reap was offended by Mr. Barthel and his girlfriend hugging while in the elevator.”
According to the filing, things escalated when Kaiser stepped out of the elevator to confront Reap verbally. The defense alleges Reap then made another remark aimed at Bazarte.
“Mr. Reap then made a statement to the effect of, ‘Have some respect before I call ICE on that bitch.’ Mr. Barthel’s girlfriend is of Mexican descent.”
From there, Kaiser’s attorneys argue the confrontation became physical only after Reap allegedly advanced toward him in a threatening manner.
“Mr. Barthel exited the elevator and confronted Mr. Reap verbally telling him his statements were offensive and inappropriate. Mr. Barthel did not threaten or touch Mr. Reap at that point. Mr. Reap then came toward Mr. Barthel aggressively raising his hands and getting very close to him. Mr. Barthel, in fear that Mr. Reap was going to batter him, pushed Mr. Reap away.”
The filing claims the situation didn’t end there. According to the defense, Kaiser returned to the elevator where Bazarte remained, but Reap allegedly approached again. Kaiser says he stepped back out to keep Reap away before the man allegedly advanced toward them a second time.
“Mr. Barthel was concerned that Mr. Reap would physically attack him or his girlfriend, so he pushed him away, and returned to the elevator.”
The defense also alleges Reap threw a soft drink bottle at Kaiser before the confrontation ended. Based on those events, Kaiser’s attorneys argue he used only the amount of force necessary to protect himself and Bazarte from what they describe as an imminent threat.
“Mr. Reap then threw a soft drink bottle at Mr. Barthel. Mr. Barthel did not retaliate. Rather, he remained in the elevator, pushed the button for his floor and left the area. In this altercation, Mr. Barthel pushed Mr. Reap only after Mr. Reap had approached Mr. Barthel aggressively and threatened him. Mr. Barthel pushed Mr. Reap to stop his continuing approach and attack.”
The motion asks the court to grant Kaiser immunity from prosecution under Florida’s self-defense statute and dismiss the battery charge altogether.
The latest filing comes just days after Kaiser’s legal team sought surveillance footage from the apartment complex, arguing that video from outside the 12th-floor elevator could help support his defense. Kaiser has already entered a not guilty plea and remains free on bond as the case moves forward. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 16, where the judge will hold a pre-trial conference before determining how the case proceeds.
Do you think the new filing changes the direction of the case? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
