It wasn’t all laughs for comedian Theo Von earlier this month when a night out in Nashville turned heated. Known for his sharp wit and Southern charm, the This Past Weekend podcast host found himself in a physical confrontation that stunned bystanders- and it was all caught on video.
The incident unfolded at The Twelve Thirty Club on May 2, just a day before Von performed his Return of the Rat tour across the street at Bridgestone Arena. What began as an uncomfortable exchange between the comedian and a man holding birthday balloons escalated quickly. A short video obtained by TMZ shows Von grabbing the man by the throat and shoving him back while exchanging words. The man appeared stunned, and the clip ended before the situation further unfolded.
Eyewitnesses Say It Wasn’t Just A Joke
Eyewitnesses at the bar say Von was clearly not joking. One source told TMZ that the comedian used “crushing force” and looked visibly upset during the encounter. The man he confronted reportedly didn’t back off and kept provoking Von even after a short verbal back-and-forth.
While the video doesn’t capture what led to the incident, a source familiar with the situation told TMZ the man with the balloons had been part of a group repeatedly harassing Von throughout the night. According to the source, they were baiting the comedian and using threatening language in an attempt to get a reaction on camera.
#Comedian #TheoVonn grabbed a fan by the neck during an aggressive altercation at a #Nashville bar.#Exclusive story HERE: https://t.co/VQW1u6ghXm
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 14, 2025
📽️: Jason Saitta pic.twitter.com/klxP8hEvmm
Police got involved two days later. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department confirmed they responded to a misdemeanor assault complaint on May 4 related to the incident. After reviewing the situation, police decided not to pursue any further action.
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Theo Von’s team has declined to comment on the situation. As footage of the altercation continues circulating, fans have voiced mixed reactions online. Some feel Von was provoked, while others question whether the response crossed a line. Whatever the case, the moment marked a rare public flash of aggression from a comedian known for his laid-back persona.
For now, the tour continues- but this unexpected chapter in Nashville has added an edge to the usually light-hearted world of stand-up.
Also Read: Theo Von Honors Anthony Smith’s Legacy And Lasting Impact Outside UFC
