Who is ‘Chud the Builder’? The controversial influencer behind the viral name
Photo: Metropolitan Nashville Police Department
Dalton Eatherly, known online as “Chud the Builder,” is a controversial internet personality who built a following through confrontational livestreams, public stunts, and “rage-bait” content designed to provoke strong reactions online.
The 28-year-old creator became known for disruptive behavior, inflammatory jokes, and chaotic interactions that frequently circulated across social media platforms. His online persona centered around shock value and controversy, with viewers often divided over whether his content was satire, trolling, or genuine aggression.
Before the Tennessee courthouse shooting investigation brought national attention to his name, Eatherly had already faced legal trouble in Nashville after allegedly refusing to pay a nearly $400 restaurant bill. Authorities said the incident escalated into disorderly behavior, leading to charges including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and theft of services.
Now, Eatherly is back in headlines after authorities said a confrontation outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville escalated into gunfire, leaving two people injured.
As the investigation continues, the incident has fueled wider conversations about influencer culture, online shock content, and how viral internet personas can spill into real-world controversy.