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A lawyer representing an influencer dubbed “Meatball”
who livestreamed the widespread looting in Philadelphia claims news reports of the woman’s arrest are racist.
Dayjia Blackwell shared videos and footage on her Instagram Stories that gleefully documented the mass plunder of several companies, including an Apple store, a Foot Locker, a Lululemon and a liquor store.
The content material author with on the subject of 650,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok may well be noticed giggling, clapping and shouting “Let’s pass!” as she witnessed suspected looters fleeing the scene while she was pushed across the city.
Blackwell used to be even observed taunting the local police — encouraging them to arrest her hours earlier than she was once charged with six felonies.
But in an open letter to the media, Jessica Mann, a lawyer representing Blackwell, stated the media portrayal of the 21-year-old influencer is “unjust.”
“It sickens me to witness the media’s compliance in what can handiest be described as an all-out attack on black and brown people, as their persona and actions are mercilessly vilified,” she wrote in the letter posted to her Instagram.
“We can not afford to forget this insidious justice.”
Mann went on to describe her client as a “charismatic 21-year-old African American feminine, [who] used to be catapulted into the limelight thru her fantastic skill for growing hilarious and charming content on social media.
“With her infectious energy and boundless creativity, Dayjia has captured the hearts of 1000's, leaving a trail of laughter and joy in her wake,” Mann wrote.
“Still, this person described above does now not garner clicks on your internet sites, so you post the mugshot with tears streaming down her face and her hair a multitude to meet your want to get ‘clicks’ and to promote a salacious tale,” she claimed.
She also argued that Blackwell used to be best “shooting the raw reality of public outrage when she streamed the events that occurred on the evening of Sept. 26, 2023 in Philadelphia.” The attorney attempted to justify Blackwell’s actions as a response to the town disregarding fees towards a police officer who shot a man point-blank via a automotive window.
But city officials have claimed the arranged gangs were not tied to previous protests against a pass judgement on’s choice to brush aside all charges towards Officer Mark Dial, and had been seeking to take advantage of the location.
“How can we stand idly through as they proceed to paint Dayjia because the culprit, when she used to be simply preserving up a mirror to Philadelphia in order that it might see its unpleasant reflection?” Mann asked.
She mentioned Blackwell’s determination “to memorialize and proportion her reports on social media must be commended, not condemned.
“She bravely exposed the deep-seated problems that plague our society, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths we so desperately forget about,” Mann wrote.
“Yet, as a substitute of engaging in meaningful dialogue in regards to the root causes of the unrest, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and local media have focused on the surface-level acts of civil disobedience.”
Mann concluded by announcing: “We will not stand silent as Dayjia Blackwell is unfairly portrayed and attacked. We will amplify her voice and demand justice for all those who have been marginalized, victimized and not noted.
“It is time for the media to fulfill its accountability to shed light on the actual problems at hand, and to paintings towards a society that values and protects the lives of all its citizens.”
Meanwhile, Blackwell has said she “regrets” taking part in the looting.
“I just desire, you already know, by no means loot again, stay out of trouble, never cross to jail,” she told NBC Philadelphia on Thursday.
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