YouTube creator WhistlinDiesel has claimed that his growing internet fame has made him a “target,” as he detailed a second recent arrest tied to an ongoing tax dispute in Tennessee.
In a lengthy update video, the automotive YouTuber said he was detained at Nashville International Airport after returning to the US, alleging that authorities moved forward with the arrest despite his legal team being told he could surrender voluntarily.
He also accused the Tennessee Department of Revenue of pursuing him aggressively over what he described as license plate and sales tax issues involving vehicles registered in Montana, saying the situation has escalated after months of legal back and forth.
WhistlinDiesel says fame has made him a “target”
Near the end of the video, the creator addressed what he believes is driving the growing number of legal problems he is facing.
“I don’t want to sound like I have a victim mentality or I’m like a negative person, but when you’re well known on the internet, you become such a target to people who don’t want to see you do well,” he said. “As much as that sounds like I’m saying I’m all that or something, it’s just that you become a target the more well-known you are.”
He continued, “I’ve heard my friends talk about this like the amount of lawsuits or problems you’ll have, but definitely starting to notice it now.”
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Earlier in the upload, WhistlinDiesel gave more details on how he was arrested for a second time over a separate vehicle he purchased in Tennessee that carried a Montana plate, adding that his lawyers had warned him ahead of his return to the country that another warrant could be issued.
He said authorities instead detained him at the airport and transported him to the Rutherford County Jail, where he posted bond of $25,000. According to the YouTuber, that brought his total bail payments to roughly $45,000.
WhistlinDiesel repeatedly criticized his treatment during his detention, claiming he was ill at the time and denied blankets or towels while in custody. He also alleged that the cost of the investigation and repeated arrests far outweighed the amount of taxes in question.
He further said that a judge previously ruled he could speak publicly about the case unless sealed material was involved, following a court hearing related to a gag order request.
WhistlinDiesel added that his legal team is continuing to handle the matter and that several court dates are upcoming, telling viewers he would keep posting updates as the situation develops.
