Clavicular (Image via Getty Images)Clavicular’s appearance in downtown Binghamton has ignited a sharp debate over what universities and local venues should be willing to promote. The 20-year-old influencer, whose real name is Braden Peters, drew students to a college tour stop while also facing protests and calls for a boycott. Critics pointed to his controversial online persona, allegations against him and his history of inflammatory remarks as reasons his visit deserved stronger scrutiny.Clavicular’s Binghamton appearance draws student backlashPeters, who has built a large following around the online “looksmaxxing” movement, appeared at The Statehouse and other downtown venues before visiting Binghamton University fraternity Alpha Pi Epsilon. The event, hosted by The Rathskeller and Jimmy’s, was restricted to people 18 and older.His online brand focuses heavily on physical appearance and self-improvement. Looksmaxxing can range from exercise and grooming to far more extreme practices, including cosmetic procedures, steroid use and “bone smashing.” Critics argue that some corners of the trend can overlap with misogynistic ideas and toxic internet communities.The Binghamton University Feminist Collective urged students to stay away from the event. The group argued that giving Peters a platform could normalize harmful behavior and rhetoric.“Peters’ tour of college campuses, and its acceptance by students, is a normalization of sexual assault and perpetuation of rape culture at large,” wrote FemCo on their Instagram. “Even joking about the event acts as a form of acceptance. This should be seen for what it is: yet another rapist being excused and celebrated. We insist that this does not go by unaddressed. Boycott this event.”Peters has faced serious allegations and legal controversy. He was arrested in Florida in March on misdemeanor battery and criminal conspiracy charges linked to an alleged fight involving another woman. Prosecutors later dropped those charges in July.A separate lawsuit filed in April by social media influencer Aleksandra Vasilevna Mendoza alleges battery, emotional distress, fraud and unauthorized use of her identity. Peters has not been found liable in that case, and the allegations remain allegations.Protesters confront Clavicular supporters in BinghamtonThe controversy moved beyond social media on Thursday night. As attendees lined up outside The Statehouse, protesters across the street shouted messages opposing the event. One protester called for respect and body positivity while criticizing language directed at women and other men.Binghamton police were also present as crowds gathered downtown.Peters arrived at The Statehouse around 10:20 p.m., accompanied by an escort, and met with students for photographs. The event continued despite the public criticism.Esti Klein, vice president of FemCo, said the debate should not be dismissed as an online argument. She stressed the importance of challenging harmful behavior in everyday interactions.“What we treat as acceptable is what’s accepted,” said Esti Klein, the vice president of FemCo and a senior majoring in English. “If you call your friend out on something, then they’re going to at least try not to do that again because they care about you as a person and they want to maintain that relationship. So I think a lot of those small interactions are where it’s the most important.”Not every local business welcomed the influencer. Tom and Marty’s owner Lawrence P. Shea said he initially considered making humorous looksmaxxing shirts before learning more about Peters’ reputation.“I was actually gonna make some goofy, funny, looksmaxxing shirts,” Shea said. “But then I found out actually how toxic he was, and I was like, even funny-wise, I don’t want my brand or anything associated with it.”The clash has left Binghamton with a broader question: when controversial online personalities enter college spaces, does their presence simply reflect student interest, or does it also give their ideas a larger audience? FemCo president Liv Rutherford framed that choice through a warning about what fills the space when constructive voices stay silent.“Politics hates a vacuum,” said Liv Rutherford, FemCo’s president and a senior majoring in philosophy, politics and law, referencing a quote by activist Naomi Klein in an interview with Pipe Dream. “If it isn’t filled with hope, someone will fill it with fear.”