A social media influencer known as “Meatball,” whose real name is Dayjia Blackwell, found herself in the grip of the law after she appeared to encourage and cheer on looters during a livestream in Philadelphia. The chaotic scene unfolded as large groups of predominantly teenagers vandalized and robbed multiple stores in the city. Blackwell, a 21-year-old influencer with a substantial online following, was subsequently arrested and charged with a total of six felonies.
The charges against Blackwell include burglary, criminal trespassing, conspiracy, criminal mischief, riot with the intent to commit a felony, and criminal use of a communication facility. In addition to the felonies, she faces two misdemeanors, one for receiving stolen property and another for hazardous conditions/physically offensive behavior. Blackwell, who had nearly 190,000 followers on Instagram, over 465,000 followers on TikTok, and an OnlyFans account, was visibly emotional in her mugshot, having been taken into custody during her livestream.
During the livestream, Blackwell openly challenged the police, declaring, “Tell the police they’re either gonna lock me up tonight, or it’s gonna get lit, it’s gonna be a movie.” She continued to express frustration, linking the looting to a perceived lack of justice in the city. As looters ransacked a liquor store, she was heard shouting, “Everybody must eat!”
Social media influencer Dayjia Blackwell, better known as ‘Meatball,’ live-streamed the looting in Philly—in addition to encouraging it.
Police conducted a traffic stop on Blackwell, and she was arrested and charged with inciting a riot (per NC Beat).pic.twitter.com/7UbvOvhkts
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) September 27, 2023
Authorities were able to track Blackwell through her social media activity to seven different locations in the city on the night of the incident. The police, addressing the situation at a news conference, emphasized that the looting was carried out by criminal opportunists, distinct from the earlier protests in the day. Interim Police Commissioner John Stanford stated, “These were not protesters, these were criminals.”
The unrest in Philadelphia occurred shortly after the dropping of murder charges against former police officer Mark Dial, who was involved in the fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry during a traffic stop. The shooting was deemed justified by Philadelphia Municipal Judge Wendy Pew, prompting reactions that led to the subsequent looting.
Video footage from the incident showed a significant police presence outside a Lululemon store as numerous individuals fled with stolen clothing. Police reported the involvement of over 100 juveniles and young adults in the looting, emphasizing the opportunistic and criminal nature of the activities. Blackwell’s bail was set at $25,000, which she posted the morning after her arrest. The city continues to grapple with the aftermath of the incident, as law enforcement seeks to maintain order and address the root causes of the unrest.
‘Meatball’ Dayjia Blackwell spoke to reporters in Philadelphia yesterday.
“I just prefer, you know, never loot again, stay out of trouble,” she told them after the city’s District Attorney charged her.
Clearly she has shown remorse for her actions, but so too have many… pic.twitter.com/W4qjuhqqXV
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) September 29, 2023
