Brookhaven, Georgia authorities have arrested a 19-year-old rapper and Twitch streamer Aspen Kartier after videos circulated online that allegedly showed her abusing a young puppy during a livestream. The arrest followed a wave of public complaints, widespread social media attention, and a response from animal welfare advocates, highlighting the increasing role that online platforms play in triggering real-world legal scrutiny.
The case has drawn attention not only because of the disturbing nature of the allegations, but also because the incident was reportedly broadcast live, raising questions about accountability, platform enforcement, and the intersection of influencer culture with criminal law. While police have confirmed an arrest and the removal of the animal from the home, several key aspects of the case remain unresolved as investigations continue.
Arrest Follows Viral Videos and Public Complaints
Brookhaven police confirmed that officers arrested Aspen Easterling, who performs under the name Aspen Kartier, on Friday after receiving numerous complaints related to videos circulating online. The clips, which were widely shared across social media platforms, allegedly showed Easterling striking a 3-month-old Maltipoo puppy during a Twitch livestream. According to authorities, the complaints prompted an investigation that culminated in a search of a residence in the 1000 block of Town Boulevard around 9:35 p.m., where the alleged abuse was believed to have occurred.
During the search, officers located the puppy inside the home. Police stated that the dog appeared to be in good health at the time of the visit, though officials did not specify whether a veterinarian had conducted a medical examination on site. Despite the apparent condition of the animal, Easterling was taken into custody and later booked into the DeKalb County Jail on a charge of animal cruelty. DeKalb County Animal Control also took custody of the Maltipoo following the arrest, removing the dog from Easterling’s care pending further review.
The videos at the center of the investigation reportedly show Easterling hitting the puppy multiple times and grabbing it by the nape of its neck. Although the clips were brief, they were sufficient to spark widespread outrage and prompt swift reporting to law enforcement. Animal cruelty statutes in Georgia prohibit knowingly causing pain or suffering to an animal, and the charge indicates that investigators believe there was probable cause to pursue criminal action based on the available evidence.
Rapper and Twitch streamer Aspen Kartier has been arrested for cruelty to animals pic.twitter.com/HiSGkW75JK
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) January 31, 2026
Brookhaven police also released a photo of the puppy after taking custody, a move that appeared intended to reassure the public that the animal was safe. Officials emphasized that the investigation began due to public tips, underscoring the role that viewers and online communities increasingly play in alerting authorities to alleged wrongdoing that occurs in digital spaces.
Role of Social Media, Twitch, and Public Response
The case quickly gained national attention after animal rights organization PETA posted a clip of the alleged abuse on X, formerly known as Twitter. In its post, PETA condemned Easterling’s actions and called for accountability, further amplifying the visibility of the incident. The organization’s involvement helped propel the story beyond local news, drawing reactions from viewers who expressed concern about the treatment of the puppy and frustration that the behavior allegedly occurred in a public livestream.
Read : Twitch Streamer Emily Schunk Assaulted at TwitchCon Meet-and-Greet in San Diego
Twitch, the livestreaming platform where the incident reportedly took place, responded by temporarily disabling Easterling’s channel for violating its community guidelines. The company has rules that prohibit violent or abusive behavior, including harm to animals, whether real or simulated. Twitch confirmed that the suspension is temporary while the platform conducts an internal investigation, though it has not disclosed how long the ban may last or what potential penalties could follow.
The incident highlights the growing tension between content creation and moderation on livestreaming platforms. Unlike pre-recorded videos, livestreams unfold in real time, often making it difficult for platforms to intervene immediately. In many cases, enforcement actions occur only after content has already been broadcast and shared widely. This reality places greater responsibility on viewers to report violations as they occur, as well as on platforms to act decisively once credible reports are received.
Public reaction to the case has been intense, with many social media users calling for permanent bans from streaming platforms and criminal consequences for those who abuse animals on camera. Others have raised broader concerns about the pressures of online fame, the normalization of extreme behavior for attention, and the responsibilities that come with having a public audience. While these debates continue online, law enforcement officials have stressed that the legal process will focus narrowly on the facts of the case and the applicable statutes.
What Remains Unclear as Investigations Continue
Despite the arrest and the removal of the puppy from Easterling’s custody, several critical questions remain unanswered. Authorities have not said whether the dog will be permanently removed or if reunification could occur at a later stage, depending on the outcome of the case. Decisions regarding permanent custody typically involve animal control agencies and, in some cases, court orders that assess the safety and welfare of the animal.
It is also unclear whether the puppy sustained any injuries that were not immediately visible. While police stated that the dog appeared to be in good health, they did not confirm whether a full veterinary examination was conducted or if medical findings would be released publicly. Such details could become relevant if the case proceeds to court, as medical evidence often plays a key role in animal cruelty prosecutions.
On the digital side, Twitch has not specified the duration of Easterling’s suspension or whether the channel could face permanent removal. The platform indicated that its decision would follow an internal investigation, which typically involves reviewing footage, user reports, and applicable policies. The outcome could have lasting implications for Easterling’s online presence and career as a streamer, particularly given the competitive and reputation-driven nature of influencer platforms.
Additionally, the legal process itself is still in its early stages. Easterling has been charged, but prosecutors have not yet outlined their case publicly, and no court dates or potential plea arrangements have been announced. As with any criminal matter, the accused is entitled to due process, and the allegations will need to be evaluated through the judicial system. As the investigation continues, the case stands as a prominent example of how online behavior can quickly lead to offline consequences.
Livestreaming platforms have created unprecedented visibility, allowing moments to be shared instantly with large audiences. In this instance, that visibility played a central role in triggering public complaints, organizational responses, and ultimately, an arrest. The final outcomes, both legally and professionally, will depend on findings that have yet to be made public, leaving key questions open as authorities and platforms complete their reviews.