Ludwig Kaiser Seeks Dismissal of Battery Case Under Stand Your Ground Law

Ludwig Kaiser’s legal situation has taken a new turn following a fresh court filing connected to his April arrest in Florida. The WWE star, whose real name is Marcel Barthel, is asking for the case to be dismissed ahead of a scheduled pre-trial conference on July 16.

According to the filing, Kaiser’s defense is invoking Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The motion argues that Kaiser used non-deadly force only when he believed it was necessary to protect himself and his girlfriend from an imminent threat.

Defense Details Ludwig Kaiser’s Version Of April Incident

The incident took place on April 23 at an apartment complex in Orlando, where Kaiser and the alleged victim, Richard Reap, both resided. Reap previously claimed that Kaiser attacked him after being told to “have some manners” while in an elevator.

However, Kaiser’s account differs significantly. The filing states that he and his girlfriend, WWE/AAA broadcaster Andrea Bazarte, were hugging when Reap began swearing at them. When Kaiser asked for clarification, Reap allegedly escalated the situation with an offensive remark.

“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. 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.”

The filing goes on to describe how Kaiser exited the elevator to confront Reap verbally but did not initiate physical contact at that point.

“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.”

Kaiser claims the situation escalated further when Reap allegedly approached him again in a threatening manner, prompting another push in self-defense.

“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 noted that Reap threw a soft drink bottle at Kaiser, who chose not to retaliate and instead left the scene.

“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’s legal team argues that these actions fall within the protections of Florida law and are seeking immunity from further prosecution. He is currently facing a misdemeanor battery charge.

In late June, the defense was granted access to surveillance footage of the incident, which could play a key role in determining what happened. The original arrest affidavit states that police reviewed the footage and observed Reap being punched and pushed, along with a visible scratch on his head.

Kaiser remains free to travel while the case continues. Depending on the outcome, he could also face a civil lawsuit, as Reap has retained legal representation specializing in personal injury and civil litigation.