A Palm Beach, Fla., man has been arrested on charges of stalking and harassing two well-known real estate pros in the area.
Joseph Peter Rivera, 42, allegedly shouted obscenities at the two men and followed them as they walked to their vehicle.
Alex Ghaderi and Edis Talović of the Ghaderi Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate are known for their TikToks about luxury real estate in Boca Raton and Palm Beach. They told police they had been taking photos outside when a man started to call them an anti-gay slur and continued to follow them down the street yelling at them, the local ABC news affiliate reported.
The man also reportedly charged at them as they walked toward their car to get away.
Ghaderi and Talović told police that one of them even used pepper spray to try to get the man away from them, but he continued to follow them to their car.
“This was the most vicious attack I have experienced, especially during Pride Month where we hope to feel accepted,” Talović told the local ABC affiliate.
“My life was threatened, and I was being attacked for being who I am,” Ghaderi added.
Rivera was arrested by police and charged in connection with stalking and simple assault with the intent of threat to do violence. He was also charged with possessing cocaine. Police officers reported they found a bag containing cocaine in Rivera’s wallet.