Did Chud the Builder Actually Kill Someone? Or Is This Just More Rage Bait Content?

Content warning: This article mentions allegations of racism and violence.

In the age of social media, pretty much anyone can become famous — for better or worse. Dalton Eatherly, aka Chud the Builder, is a perfect example of the latter, as he often livestreams himself antagonizing random people on the street.

Now, the contractor is in even hotter water than usual, as he's been connected to a crime in his home state of Tennessee. As the case develops, the public wonders — did Chud actually go as far as to kill someone?

Thankfully, Chud's victim is still alive, although injured. Still, the influencer is being charged with attempted murder, as he did shoot the person.

While the individual was shot in the stomach and "lifeflighted" to the hospital, he is reported to be in stable condition.

While law enforcement has not shared the victim's identity with the public, the context of the interaction leads people to believe the person is Black.

Chud is known for antagonizing people on the street via aggressive behavior and the use of racial slurs. According to reports, the altercation was one such racially charged encounter.

According to witnesses, the other person was pointing and laughing at the influencer, which caused Chud to confront the individual. The person told Chud to continue walking and warned the controversial figure that he would punch him if he were to say anything racist.

It seems that's exactly what happened, as Chud was punched and then retaliated by shooting the other man.

In a twist of fate, Chud was injured and taken to the hospital as well. His condition is currently stable. Apparently, the influencer accidentally shot himself in the shoulder during the altercation.

Chud has made a name for himself as a highly controversial figure who uses outward racism to boost his social media content. His antics include yelling the N-word at random people on the street and telling Black people not to "chimp out" in retaliation. Those familiar with the influencer's content have expressed all but surprise at the altercation.

As one X user put it, "I mean, it was just a matter of time. Was going to be him or somebody else."

While Tennessee is a Stand Your Ground state, Chud will still have a hard time claiming self-defense. The law states that if a person has reason to believe their life is in danger, they're allowed to use deadly force rather than retreat.

However — and here's where Chud will have a problem — the right to stand one's ground does not apply if they provoked the attack.

It will be up to the courts to decide if Chud's antics were considered provocation for a physical assault or not. On the one hand, he, himself, did not escalate the situation from a verbal to a physical altercation. That said, the influencer most certainly F'd around and found out.