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Miami Dade PD
The guy known as “The Real Tarzann” to millions on YouTube will now be tracked by law enforcement after his arrest for burglary and battery … which he claims was actually self-defense.
Michael Holston was arraigned Friday in Miami on felony charges of burglary with battery and battery. Holston entered a plea of not guilty and the judge ordered him to stay away from his alleged victim, and wear a GPS ankle monitor.
TMZ broke the story … Holston — who produces viral videos of himself playing with chimps, lions, snakes and many other animals — was arrested earlier this month. According to police he beat the hell out of a guy who showed up at his home.
Cops say they got into an argument and, as you might expect, Tarzann got the best of him … punching the guy several times in the face and body. Holston allegedly lunged inside a car to continue hitting the guy when he tried to call police.
He’s also accused of punching a friend of the alleged victim who tried to help.
However, Holston’s attorney, Brian Bieber (no relation) tells TMZ … his client was only protecting himself. Bieber claims the alleged victim had posted videos threatening Holston … including at least one where he was armed with a rifle. Bieber says Holston was only defending himself because he recognized the alleged victim from the social media post.
Holston was released on $10k bond. Bieber tells us the alleged victim deleted the threatening post after Holston’s arrest, but he has a copy of it which he’s submitting to prosecutors.