Ludwig Kaiser now has a date that could make his battery case disappear. Court documents obtained by Ringside News show that a judge will hear his motion to dismiss on October 19, 2026.
Kaiser, whose real name is Marcel Barthel and who also performs as El Grande Americano, is scheduled to appear at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Andrew L. Cameron at the Orange County Courthouse in Orlando. His attorneys filed the hearing notice on July 28. They want the misdemeanor battery charge thrown out under Florida’s self-defense law.
The case comes from an April 23 fight at an Orlando apartment complex involving Kaiser and Richard Reap. Reap says the trouble started after he saw Kaiser and a woman kissing inside an elevator and told them to show some manners.
Kaiser’s legal team says that is not what happened. They claim Kaiser and his girlfriend, WWE and AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were only hugging when Reap made an angry comment.
“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**king respect.’ Apparently, Mr. Reap was offended by Mr. Barthel and his girlfriend hugging while in the elevator.”
The defense says Kaiser leaned out of the elevator because he was confused. Reap then allegedly made another comment aimed at Bazarte.
“Mr. Barthel leaned out of the elevator to ask Mr. Reap what he said, as he was confused by the statement. 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.”
Kaiser’s attorneys claim he stepped out and confronted Reap but did not touch him. They say Reap moved toward Kaiser with his hands raised, and Kaiser pushed him away because he thought he was about to be attacked. The defense says Kaiser went back toward the elevator, but Reap came at them again.
“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.”
“Mr. Reap walked away briefly and came back toward the elevator again in a threatening manner. Mr. Barthel was concerned that Mr. Reap would physically attack him or his girlfriend, so he pushed him away and returned to the elevator.”
Kaiser’s team also claims Reap threw a soft drink bottle at him before the incident ended.
“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.”
Kaiser has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys argue that he only used force to protect himself and Bazarte. The October 19 hearing is now the biggest date in the case. If the judge sides with Kaiser, the charge could be tossed before a trial ever starts. If not, the case keeps moving.
Do you think Ludwig Kaiser’s self-defense claim is enough to get the battery charge dismissed? Leave your feedback in the comments.
