A Philadelphia influencer known as “Meatball” was arrested but avoided jail time for livestreaming footage of violent looters attacking several stores in the city during protests last September.
The 22-year-old influencer, whose real name is Daisia Blackwell, was placed on five years’ probation on Thursday and ordered to perform 150 hours of community service.
Blackwell was originally charged with six felonies, including theft, trespass, conspiracy, criminal damage to property, riot with intent to commit a felony and unlawful use of a communication facility.
She pleaded guilty to two charges of riot with intent to commit a felony and criminal use of a communication facility. Fox 29 Philadelphia.
In addition to being on probation, Blackwell must also pay a $10,000 fine.
During the court appearance, Judge Zachary C. Shaffer asked Blackwell what the words on her necklace were.
According to the outlet, Blackwell answered “Buddies,” a reference to the reality show she currently stars in, Buddies Caribbean.
Shafer joked that he would like to see Blackwell wearing the “Goodies” necklace.
After the hearing, Blackwell joked about the necklace conversation and thanked supporters outside the courthouse before calling the sentence “rigged.”
“I’m never coming back here,” Blackwell said on Instagram. “I want to thank my lawyers and advocates. Without you and my lawyers, I probably would be dead. And I want to thank my mom for being there for me all the time.”
Blackwell recorded herself driving across Center City during the Sept. 26 looting, laughing, clapping and yelling “Let’s go!” as looters fled.
Later that evening, Blackwell followed the looters on foot into the store.
“Tell the police, either lock me up tonight or there’s going to be a riot or a movie,” she said in the video.
Blackwell’s excitement quickly faded as police sent the teary-eyed influential man to jail.
Blackwell, who has 962,000 followers on Instagram, still uses the mugshot as the profile picture on her own Instagram account.
according to Philadelphia InquirerBlackwell’s social media following has increased five-fold since his arrest.
Philadelphia police credited Blackwell’s social media posts with helping them pinpoint where the looting was taking place.
The massive riots hit several businesses, including Lululemon, Apple, Foot Locker and liquor stores.
“Free iPhones! Free iPhones,” Blackwell shouted.
The widespread looting came hours after protests erupted in the city following a court ruling dismissing charges against Mark Dial, the police officer who shot and killed Eddie Irizarry.
Then-Interim Police Chief John Stanford said the looting was carried out by “opportunists” capitalizing on anger over the Irizarry verdict.
“This is what happens when justice isn’t served in this city,” Blackwell is heard yelling in one video.
