Fitness Influencer Goob’s Viral Arrest Was Staged for Social Media, Cops Say

Fitness influencer Goob is asking for privacy after his supposed arrest … but there’s just one problem … the whole thing was staged, TMZ has learned.

A spokesperson for the Suffolk County Police Department tells TMZ the arrest wasn’t real … explaining, “It was part of filming social media posts advertising a charity food giveaway that is taking place later this month.”

Here’s how the whole thing unfolded … another fitness influencer, Joey Swoll, posted a video Monday showing Goob, whose real name is John Dorsey, apparently being taken into custody by police.

Joey appeared shocked by the supposed arrest … saying he never imagined he’d have to call out someone he considered a friend.

“I’m not gonna say what it is that he did, because I don’t have all the facts yet,” Joey said, before adding, “You need to do better, buddy.”

Goob then took to Instagram to address the circulating video … asking followers for “privacy and grace” while he dealt with the situation.

He later shared what appeared to be a letter from an attorney warning him about criminal charges and his right to remain silent … while promising a statement approved by his legal team.

And in case anyone thought the whole thing was a setup, Goob insisted, “It’s not a skit.”

But Suffolk County police say that’s exactly what it was … a staged arrest filmed to promote an upcoming charity food giveaway.