Influencer Dayjia Blackwell, aka “Meatball,” has been sentenced to five years of probation and over 100 hours of community service following her arrest for livestreaming looting in Philadelphia in September.
The 22-year-old influencer was charged with criminal conspiracy, criminal mischief, riot, and disorderly conduct, among other offenses. As part of her sentencing, Blackwell must complete 150 hours of community service and pay a $10,000 fine.
The Philadelphia District Attorney’s office detailed Blackwell’s alleged involvement in property destruction, burglary, and theft from businesses across seven locations on the night of September 26. “Blackwell is alleged to have used her social media platform to encourage people to engage in criminal activities at those locations and is alleged to have engaged in criminal activities herself,” the DA’s office stated.
Blackwell’s arrest occurred during looting that erupted after a peaceful protest following the dismissal of charges against the officer who shot and killed Eddie Irizarry. Charges against former officer Mark Dial in Irizarry’s death were reinstated in October.
Former Mayor Jim Kenney attributed the looting incidents that followed the protest to Blackwell’s influence, stating she encouraged her online followers to engage in illegal activities. “She was livestreaming the whole thing, wound up with 12,000 followers and basically incited the riot,” Kenney said.
Blackwell, who boasts over 180,000 followers, livestreamed much of the chaos, capturing videos of herself cheering on the crowd robbing the Apple store in Center City and moving with the crowd to various stores.
