HOLLYWOOD, FL. (THECOUNT) — Comedian and internet personality Charleston White, 49, was arrested Saturday in Hollywood, Florida, and booked into the Broward County Jail on a misdemeanor battery charge, according to jail records and reports from TMZ and Complex.
White was taken into custody by the Hollywood Police Department on Saturday, Sept. 12. Jail records list the allegation as “Touch Or Strike/Battery,” a misdemeanor offense.
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Under Florida law (Florida Statute § 784.03), a “touch or strike” battery—commonly referred to as simple battery—occurs when a person meets any of the following criteria:
- Actual and intentional touching or striking: The defendant actually and intentionally touched or struck another person against their will.
- Intentional bodily harm: The defendant intentionally caused bodily harm to another person.
Key Legal Elements
To secure a conviction for this offense, the prosecution must prove three main elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- Intent: The defendant intended to touch or strike the other person (accidental contact, such as bumping into someone in a crowd, does not qualify).
- Contact: The defendant actually touched, struck, or caused harm to the victim.
- Against Will / Non-Consensual: The touching or striking was done without the consent of the alleged victim.
Important Characteristics
- No Injury Required: A physical injury or bruise is not required for a battery charge. Minor or seemingly insignificant physical contact—such as an unwanted push, a shove, a grab, a slap, or spitting on someone—is enough to meet the legal definition if it is done intentionally and against someone’s will.
- Difference from Assault: Assault in Florida is an intentional, unlawful threat (by word or act) to do violence coupled with an apparent ability to do so, creating a well-founded fear. Battery requires actual physical contact or harm, whereas assault does not.
Penalties
- First Offense: Simple battery is generally classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, which carries penalties of up to 1 year in jail, 1 year of probation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
- Subsequent Offenses: If a person has a prior conviction for battery, felony battery, or aggravated battery, any subsequent battery can be charged as a third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
Details concerning the incident that led to White’s arrest have not been publicly released. Authorities have not disclosed where the alleged battery occurred, who the alleged victim is or what circumstances preceded the arrest.
According to jail records reviewed by Complex, White’s case is listed as pending trial, with the bond amount shown as $0. TMZ reported that White will remain in custody until a judge reviews the case and determines whether bond should be set.
White has more than 250,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel and is known for his comedy, commentary and online discussions involving hip-hop, crime and current events.
The arrest comes as White is scheduled to perform at the Off the Hook Comedy Club in nearby Naples on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. It was not immediately clear whether the arrest would affect that scheduled appearance.
White did not immediately respond to requests for comment, according to reports.
The battery allegation is a criminal accusation. White is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Hollywood is located in Broward County in southeastern Florida, between Fort Lauderdale and Miami. The Broward County Jail is located in Fort Lauderdale, while Naples is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in Collier County, approximately 110 miles west of Hollywood.
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