Velveteen Dream, real name Patrick Clark Jr., was once one of WWEs most promising talents, known for his captivating character work and standout performances in NXT. However, his career took a dramatic turn when allegations of inappropriate conduct surfaced, leading to his WWE release and a series of legal troubles. Heres a comprehensive look at the controversies surrounding Velveteen Dream.
Allegations of Misconduct
In April 2020, Velveteen Dream faced accusations of sending explicit images to minors via Instagram. The allegations emerged during the #SpeakingOut movement in June 2020, where more claims surfaced about inappropriate communications with underage individuals. Despite WWE conducting an internal investigation and reportedly finding no evidence, the damage was done. The hashtag #FireVelveteenDream began trending whenever he appeared on television, making him a public relations liability.
While speaking to Chris Van Vliet in 2024, Dream addressed the allegations directly, denying any misconduct. No, those arent conversations that Ive ever had with anybody, minor or adult, legal, illegal, consensual, or non-consensual. Those words, those texts, those images that have been pushed out there on the internettheyre all false, he stated.
Dream clarified that the accounts making the accusations were taken down and are no longer accessible. He admitted to speaking with a person named Jacob Schmidt on Instagram but insisted that he never said or typed anything inappropriate. I did speak to a Jacob Schmidt on Instagram. We actually had a phone conversation over Instagram. At no point in time did I ever type anything or say anything that should have or could have been misconstrued as an advance of any type, Dream explained.
However, despite his denials, it should be noted that there remains no concrete evidence proving his innocence. On the Chris Van Vliet show, Dream only offered his side of the story without presenting any proof. Meanwhile, there is video evidence of Dream speaking to minors, as well as photo evidence showing him allegedly sending nude images. Adding to the skepticism, the interview with Van Vliet has since been set to private on his YouTube channel, further raising questions about the credibility of Dreams statements.
Legal Troubles, Arrests and Suspension
Dreams controversies didnt end with the allegations. In August 2022, he was arrested twice in Orlando, Florida. The first arrest on August 20 involved charges of first-degree battery and trespassing after he allegedly bit and punched a gym employee at Club Orlando. Just days later, on August 26, he was arrested again for possession of drug paraphernalia.
These incidents occurred while he was serving a 12-month probation sentence from a previous arrest in November 2021 for possession of cocaine. He spent 25 days in Seminole County Jail and was released on September 13, 2022.
Dream was also involved in a separate indecent where he allegedly used cocaine while employed by WWE, leading to a quiet suspension. It was reported that Dream admitted to using cocaine with other NXT wrestlers, raising further concerns about his behavior during his time with the company.
Bathroom Filming Allegations and EC3s Accusations
In 2022, former WWE Superstar EC3 publicly accused Velveteen Dream of attempting to film other wrestlers in the bathroom during a party at his residence. According to EC3, he found Dreams phone positioned in a way that suggested it was recording. While speaking on The Wrestling Outlaws with Dr. Chris Featherstone and Vince Russo, EC3 stated, Im not making the claims. There was literally a camera in my bathroom that belonged to him, on his cell phone, that was filming the toilet, okay? Its not a claim.
EC3 went on to describe what he saw, alleging that the phone was strategically placed to record people using the bathroom. The phone was propped up, like it is on this desk at Al Snows guest house, filming the toilet, selfie mode style, like bafflingly crazy. Im so aghast and shocked that I couldnt believe I was watching my own phallus tinkle on someone elses phone to see the record button going, he said.
Velveteen Dream addressed these accusations during a 2024 interview with Chris Van Vliet, denying that he was trying to film anyone. Dream claimed that while his phone was in the bathroom, it was not set to record anything. I think at some point during the night, EC3 walked into the bathroom where my phone was laying flat, saw it, and maybe had some interpersonal conflict on how he wanted to deal with that, but that was never true, Dream said.
Dream also accused EC3 of bringing drugs to the party and setting a chaotic scene. EC3 brings out a framed black and white picture of Tom Selleck with a pile of cocaine on this picture of Tom Selleck and he puts it down on his dining room table and, like, lets party boys, he claimed.
Dream further suggested that substances are a part of EC3s life and that he struggles to control them. Substances are an aspect of Mikes life that he has a problem controlling, he stated.
However, EC3 doubled down on his allegations against Dream, calling out the former NXT star for lying about the incident. Why was the phone in the bathroom? Why was it lying flat? Because it wasnt, EC3 said. Is that plausible deniability? Is that what we call that, Dr. Chris? That like if I kinda admit to half a truth, I can get away with a half a lie?
In a separate interview with Steve Fall, EC3 claimed that WWE knew about Dreams alleged actions but chose to protect him due to his perceived value as a rising star. It was known. Talent was involved. Its a wild tale and a lot of people did know Sometimes, talent is doing well and drawing money, theyll be protected, he said.
Mug Shot T-Shirt Scandal Guilty by Association
During a recent MCW wrestling event in January 2025, Dream made headlines by wearing a provocative T-shirt that featured mugshots of some of the most recognizable names in wrestling history.
The back of the shirt read Guilty by Association, while the front displayed mugshots of Vince McMahon, Donald Trump, Booker T, Liv Morgan, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, Andre the Giant, Brock Lesnar, Eddie Guerrero, Scott Hall, Chris Jericho, and even Dream himself.
The shirt immediately drew criticism from fans and industry insiders alike. Some viewed it as a commentary on the wrestling industrys checkered past, while others felt it was a blatant attempt to remain relevant by exploiting the real-life legal troubles and personal struggles of those featured especially those who have passed away, such as Eddie Guerrero and Andre the Giant.
Instead of addressing the backlash, Dream doubled down, promoting the shirt as official merchandise on Instagram. He posted photos of himself wearing it with the caption: GUILTY BY ASSOCIATION MERCH AVAILABLE #Heel.
The response was overwhelmingly negative, with many calling the shirt disrespectful and a cheap attempt at getting attention. Some fans argued that Dream is attempting to capitalize on the darker moments of wrestling history to keep himself in the conversation after a string of scandals nearly ended his career.
Public Apology and Attempts at Redemption
In early 2024, Velveteen Dream released an apology video, expressing remorse for his past actions and acknowledging his mistakes. I wanna apologize for my behavior. Both professionally and personally I take full accountability for my behavior over the last three years of my life, he said.
He addressed WWE directly, saying, First I wanna apologize to the WWE organization for any unwanted attention and negative press that I brought to your brand and product. I wanna apologize to the WWE fans and Velveteen Dream fans. Because when you speak about Velveteen Dream, it should have been spoken about in a productive and positive light.
He also apologized to Paul Levesque (Triple H) and Shawn Michaels for any disappointment he may have caused, acknowledging their guidance and mentorship. Paul, you are such an understanding and patient man and leader I want to apologize to you, Paul, Im sorry. Also want to say Im sorry to Shawn Michaels You have not [wasted your time]. Im still a work in progress. Im still learning, Dream added.
Dream also apologized to his family for the negative attention they faced because of his actions. No one should have to explain anything for Patrick Clark Thats my responsibility, okay? And I apologize to you all for any energy. Negative energy that has had to come your way because of me.
The Quest for Redemption
Despite his efforts to apologize, Dream continues to court controversy. Recently, he posted a video on Instagram claiming hes still better than current WWE stars. Better promo, better body and better workrate than all your favorites still on TV, he declared, insisting that hes still being talked about despite his long absence from television.
Dreams recent social media outbursts, combined with his unapologetic attitude about his perceived greatness, have drawn mixed reactions from fans and the wrestling community alike. While some believe he deserves a second chance, others feel his actions are too serious to overlook.
Velveteen Dreams journey from NXT star to controversy-ridden figure is one of the most polarizing stories in wrestling. Despite his talent and undeniable charisma, the allegations and legal issues have cast a shadow over his once-promising career. Whether Dream will ever find redemption or a path back to professional wrestling remains to be seen.
What do you think of Velveteen Dreams controversial past? Can he ever make a comeback in the wrestling world, or is his reputation beyond repair? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
