A lawyer representing the influencer nicknamed “Meatball” who live-streamed the rampant robbery in Philadelphia claimed news reports of the woman’s arrest were racist.
Dayjia Blackwell shared videos and photos on her Instagram Stories that gleefully documented the mass robbery of several businesses, including an Apple store, Foot Locker, Lululemon and a liquor store.
The content creator with nearly 650,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok can be seen laughing, clapping and shouting “Let’s go!” when he witnessed a suspected robber fleeing the scene as he was driven across town.
Blackwell was also seen taunting local police — encouraging them to arrest him hours before he was charged with six felonies.
But in an open letter to the media, Jessica Mann, an attorney representing Blackwell, said the media’s portrayal of the 21-year-old influencer was “unfair.”
“It pains me to witness the media’s compliance in what can only be described as an all-out attack on black and brown people, as their character and actions are mercilessly defamed,” he wrote in a letter posted on his Instagram.
“We cannot afford to ignore this dangerous justice.”
Dayjia Blackwell, who goes by Meatball online, was arrested for participating in and encouraging a rampant robbery on September 26. The Philadelphia police department’s Jessica Mann, an attorney representing Blackwell, said the media’s portrayal of the 21-year-old influencer was “unfair.” / @jessicamann_esq
Mann further described her client as “a charismatic 21-year-old African American woman, [who] has surged into the limelight through his uncanny talent for creating funny and captivating content on social media.
“With her infectious energy and boundless creativity, Dayjia has captured the hearts of thousands, leaving a trail of laughter and joy in her wake,” Mann wrote.
“However, the person described above is not getting clicks on your website, so you post that mugshot with tears streaming down his face and messy hair to satisfy your need to get ‘clicks’ and sell a nasty story,” he claimed. .
He also argued that Blackwell only “captured the raw reality of public anger when he broadcast the events that took place on the night of September 26, 2023 in Philadelphia.” The attorney tried to justify Blackwell’s actions in response to the city dropping charges against a police officer who shot a man point-blank through a car window.
Blackwell shared footage on his Instagram Stories documenting the mass robbery of several businesses. Instagram / @dayjiamainpage Blackwell can be seen laughing, clapping and yelling “Let’s go!” because he witnessed the robbery suspect fleeing.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage City officials argued that the rampant robbery was not tied to the initial objection to the judge’s decision to dismiss all charges against Officer Mark Dial.Instagram / @dayjiamainpage
But city officials have claimed the organized group was not bound by the initial protest over the judge’s decision to dismiss all charges against Officer Mark Dial, and was trying to take advantage of the situation.
“How can we remain silent while they continue to paint Dayjia as the perpetrator, when he only held up a mirror to Philadelphia so it could see its ugly reflection?” asked Mann.
He said Blackwell’s decision “to remember and share his experience on social media should be applauded, not condemned.
“He bravely exposes the deep issues plaguing our society, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths we so often ignore,” Mann wrote.
Attorney Jessica C. Mann claims the media’s portrayal of Blackwell is “an all-out attack on black and brown people.” Jessica C. Mann, Esquire
“Yet, instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue about the causes of the unrest, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and the local media have focused on surface-level acts of civil disobedience.”
Mann concluded by saying: “We will not remain silent as Dayjia Blackwell is unfairly portrayed and attacked. We will amplify his voice and demand justice for all those who have been marginalized, victimized and neglected.
“It is time for the media to fulfill its duty to explain the real issues at hand, and work towards a society that values and protects the lives of all its citizens.”
Meanwhile, Blackwell said he “regrets” taking part in the robbery.
“I’d rather, you know, never rob again, stay out of trouble, never go to jail,” he told NBC Philadelphia on Thursday.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
