Chicago rapper and streamer Aspen Kartier arrested in Georgia on animal cruelty charges

Chicago-born rapper and online streamer Aspen Kartier has been arrested in Georgia on animal cruelty charges related to a video that quickly spread on social media, local authorities said.

Complex reports that the 19-year-old artist, whose legal name is Aspen Easterling, was taken into custody on January 30. Investigators say the arrest stemmed from livestream footage that showed Easterling abusing a Maltipoo puppy.

Police identified Easterling as a suspect after confirming that the address in the video matched her residence on Town Boulevard. Officers then obtained a search warrant and arrested her at her home shortly after 9:30 p.m., authorities said.

During the search, officers located the three-month-old puppy seen in the video. Police noted that the dog appeared to be in good condition at the time. The animal has since been placed in the care of DeKalb County Animal Control “for protection,” while Easterling remains held in the DeKalb County Jail.

Easterling, who performs under the name Aspen Kartier, has built a significant following online, including more than 71,000 followers on Twitch. However, her channel has since been listed as ‘temporarily unavailable’. The status change followed public criticism and calls for action after the video circulated.

According to Unpleasant TMZThe clip appears to show Kartier grabbing the puppy and throwing it by the neck, an action that animal welfare experts warn could cause serious pain or injury. In a subsequent video, Kartier denied harming the dog and suggested viewers misinterpreted what they saw.

“Tell them you’re okay. Tell them right now,” Kartier said in the clip, addressing the puppy, who could be heard whimpering.
Animal rights organization PETA intervened after the images received attention. When contacted by Complexa PETA spokesperson said Twitch was “right” to take action regarding Kartier’s account, although the platform did not detail the nature or duration of any suspension.

“People are rightfully shocked by the video in which Aspen Kartier raises her arm several times and appears to hit her dog while whining, before leaving the camera as the sounds of the dog’s distress continue,” the PETA representative told Complex.

The spokesperson added: “Anyone who would hit and terrify their dog should never be allowed near it. Twitch was right to suspend this account. Now we urge the authorities to immediately investigate, prosecute if necessary and, hopefully, seize this dog so that something like this never happens again and the dog has a chance at a loving home.”

The case remains under investigation and authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges could be filed.

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