A viral arrest video involving fitness influencer Goob was staged, Suffolk County Police said, after he publicly asked for privacy over what appeared to be his detention.
Goob, whose real name is John Dorsey, was filmed being taken into custody in a video posted by fellow fitness influencer Joey Swoll on Monday. Swoll appeared shocked and said he had never expected to call out someone he regarded as a friend.
“I’m not gonna say what it is that he did, because I don’t have all the facts yet,” Swoll said. “You need to do better, buddy.”
Dorsey later addressed the footage on Instagram, asking followers for “privacy and grace” while he dealt with the situation.
He also shared what appeared to be a letter from an attorney. The document warned him about potential criminal charges and reminded him of his right to remain silent, while saying a statement approved by his legal team would follow.
Dorsey insisted the incident was genuine, writing: “It’s not a skit.”
However, a spokesperson for Suffolk County Police said the arrest was not real and had been filmed as part of social media posts promoting a charity food giveaway taking place later this month.
Dorsey is known for staging elaborate holiday skits to promote charity food giveaways, making the staged arrest video part of a format he has used previously.
