Expert sees web star Silva benefiting from jailing
Jan 05, 2016, 01:00 PM
Share
A Charlottesville man famous for internet videos seen by millions, Bryan Silva remains behind bars after a multi-hour standoff and his subsequent Sunday afternoon arrest on weapons and kidnapping charges.
In his videos, Silva does little more than flex his muscles and shoot at imaginary enemies while uttering his catchphrase:
"Gratata."
Arrested a day after his 25th birthday for allegedly holding his 17-year-old girlfriend against her will, Silva kept a SWAT team at bay for nearly nine hours while recording-- and posting-- more videos.
"In this culture, stupid really really sells."
That's web expert Tyler Sewell, who says the widespread derision for Silva's videos can't stop the royalties.
"Going to jail probably makes his career; that's how celebrity works in the United States."
"Gratata."
For WCVE News, Hawes Spencer in Charlottesville.
#