The Alleged Assault with Blue Corn Starch

On July 29, 2025, Aaron Smith-Levin was arrested by the Clearwater Police for Battery against Sea Org member Norman Shape. The arrest happened after an incident during which Smith-Levin tossed a container of blue corn starch at Shape during a protest in front of the Flag building in Clearwater, Florida.

The alleged assault is posted online in many places. Aaron offers his account of the incident on his channel.

On July 30, 2025, Aaron Smith-Levin posted a $1000 bond following his arrest for this alleged assault and was released.

Under Florida law, a person free on bail “must refrain from criminal activity of any kind.” If they fail to do so, their bail will be revoked.

On September 20, 2025, Aaron Smith-Levin was arrested for Battery against a different Sea Org member in Clearwater. This second arrest constituted a violation of his bail in the first case.

Under the Florida statute, Aaron Smith-Levin’s bail in the first case was revoked and he was remanded into custody on October 13, 2025. Smith-Levin is expected to serve 7-10 days according to unconfirmed reports.

Aaron Smith-Levin remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.