Controversial influencer and boxer Ed Matthews, 23, best known for his antics in the “manosphere” and frequent livestreams, is facing growing scrutiny after his reaction to his ex-girlfriend Elsa Rae announcing her pregnancy. The tension surrounding Matthews has heightened after his now-viral livestream from Miami earlier this week, which many believe showcases the deeper emotional turmoil behind his typically brash persona.
A ‘Triggered’ Livestream
Ed Matthews appeared on a livestream on Kick, a platform popular with controversial influencers, showing off his crutches and addressing his followers mere hours after Elsa Rae shared the news on social media that she was expecting a child with Marcus John – a relationship she formed after her split from Matthews.
The dramatic shift in Matthews’ demeanor was apparent when his new livestream companion, Braden Eric Peters (known online as Clavicular), asked about the social media messages that seemed to be poking fun at Ed.
When asked if he was the father, Ed’s initial response was a forced laugh, followed by the comment: “I’m happy for her.” But as the question persisted, the influencer’s frustration bubbled over. Matthews dismissed the situation by saying, “I don’t give a f***, it’s been so long,” but viewers quickly noted his discomfort, with many commenting on his apparent unease.
The livestream quickly took a darker turn when Ed and Clavicular arrived at a rage room, an entertainment venue designed to let people relieve stress by smashing items. With his crutches still in tow, Ed aggressively swung a baseball bat at a wardrobe, showcasing a raw and emotional side of him that contrasted with his usual on-screen bravado.
The Past That Still Hurts
The history between Matthews and Rae has been turbulent, with their on-and-off relationship widely followed by their online fans. Elsa Rae, now 22, rose to fame as a social media influencer and appeared on Big Brother in 2025, where she formed a quick bond with Marcus John. Their romance, which progressed rapidly, became public when Rae announced her pregnancy this past weekend.
This announcement left Matthews visibly shaken, especially considering the messy circumstances surrounding their split. Back in 2025, Matthews admitted to cheating on Elsa, revealing that the catalyst for their breakup stemmed from Rae’s decision to appear on Big Brother while he was at his most vulnerable. He had made a video in which he said, “I don’t want you to do that, and she was like, ‘I need to focus on my career’, and that’s when I cheated.”
Despite his tough persona, it appears Matthews has not fully moved on from Elsa. Multiple sources close to the influencer have told us that the pregnancy announcement has “triggered” deeper feelings of regret and jealousy. One source revealed: “Ed is in denial about how much he cares. He’s been pretending it doesn’t bother him, but you can see it in his eyes. This has hit him hard.”
Matthews and His ‘Predator Stings’
Ed Matthews, a self-proclaimed influencer and boxer, has courted controversy for years. His growing online presence, bolstered by the likes of Harrison Sullivan (known online as HSTikkyTokky), has seen Matthews feature prominently in the so-called “manosphere.” In recent months, he appeared in Louis Theroux’s Netflix documentary where he proudly showcased his self-styled “predator stings,” humiliating individuals accused of being pedophiles or predators during live streams.
Despite his controversial actions, Matthews has refused to address the backlash following the documentary’s airing, instead opting to continue with his daily content, often alongside other notorious influencers. However, his latest livestream, where he seemed emotionally affected by Elsa’s news, hints that Matthews may not be the hard man he tries to portray.
Elsa Rae and Marcus John’s Growing Family
In contrast to Matthews’ messy public persona, Elsa Rae has embraced a fresh start with Marcus John, whom she met on Big Brother. The couple announced their pregnancy on social media over the weekend, with Rae revealing their excitement at the unexpected news. “We weren’t trying, but it’s the best surprise ever,” Elsa shared with fans, showing a sonogram and a baby romper alongside knitted booties.
Elsa’s announcement has drawn attention not only for the joyous news but also because it marks a rapid transition from her troubled past with Matthews to a brighter future with Marcus. The couple’s bond, which quickly developed after Big Brother, has already received praise from their fans, who are eager to see their journey unfold.
The Struggle to Maintain Image
Ed Matthews’ attempt to maintain his “bad boy” image appears increasingly fragile in light of the emotional turbulence he’s been facing in recent weeks. His response to Elsa’s pregnancy announcement, while outwardly indifferent, reveals deeper insecurities and unresolved feelings that threaten to undermine his carefully cultivated persona.
As the news surrounding Matthews continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether he will continue to double down on his controversial actions or if the emotional weight of his past relationship will catch up with him. For now, he seems caught between his online bravado and the reality of his emotions – a reality that he’s trying hard to ignore, but one that continues to haunt him.
Stay tuned as this developing story continues to capture the attention of fans, both online and off.
