Dan Bilzerian, a professional poker player who has been called the “King of Instagram” for his 7.1 million followers will not face any significant consequences for two legal matters that arose in December of last year.
Bilzerian is well known on social media for sharing photos that display his enthusiasm for fast cars, guns, and scantily clad women. He was sued by model Vanessa Castano for an incident she alleged to have occurred at a South Beach nightclub. She claimed that Bilzerian kicked her in the face while he was dancing on an elevated platform. A civil case is still pending regarding the incident.
Part of which was caught on cell phone video which was distributed via social media. Miami police closed their investigation after obtaining security camera footage from the nightclub. Bilzerian’s explanation of the evening’s events were that he was trying to break up a fight, and that he cooperated with law enforcement. Police did say that he was cooperative but would neither affirm nor deny that he was stopping an altercation.
Soon after the evening in the nightclub, Bilzerian was arrested for detonating a homemade bomb at an unofficial shooting range in Las Vegas. He faced felony explosive charges, but was pleaded to the misdemeanor of failing to put out a fire. Bilzerian also agreed to pay restitution.
Even if, like Bilzerian, a certain element of living on the edge is part of your public persona, criminal allegations can do serious harm to your reputation. Whether you are being sued or facing serious charges, it is important to have access to the advice and insight of a reputable and experienced criminal lawyer.
Source: ‘King of Instagram’ Won’t Face Charges in Miami Beach Incident, time.com/people.com, Helling, Steve, 20 March 2015