Dayjia Blackwell, widely known by her social media moniker Meatball, has pleaded guilty to two felony charges related to her involvement in a 2023 riot in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The incident, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, showed Meatball and others looting businesses in protest of a police officer’s acquittal in a fatal shooting.
At the time of the event, Meatball, along with members of her community, recorded themselves as they looted multiple stores, including prominent retailers like Lulu Lemon and an Apple Store. The footage, which drew significant attention, depicted Meatball encouraging others to join in the theft.
Shortly after the incident, Meatball was arrested and expressed deep remorse for her actions. According to a recent report by Fox 29 Philadelphia, she has now pleaded guilty to charges of riot with the intent to commit a felony and criminal use of a communication facility. Her sentencing includes five years of probation for each charge, 150 hours of community service, and a $10,000 fine.
During her court appearance, Meatball made headlines for wearing her ‘Baddies’ chain, a piece of jewelry tied to her role in the reality show ‘Baddies: Caribbean.’ The judge, puzzled by her choice of attire given the serious nature of the charges, remarked that he hoped she would choose more appropriate accessories for future court appearances, suggesting a “Goodie” necklace instead.
Despite the controversy, Meatball’s lawyer emphasized that she aims to leverage her platform to spread positivity and learn from her past mistakes. As a cast member on ‘Baddies: Caribbean,’ Meatball has an opportunity to rebuild her image and influence her audience in a more constructive manner.
Meatball’s case highlights the complex intersection of social media influence, personal accountability, and the criminal justice system. It serves as a reminder of the significant impact that public figures can have on their communities and the importance of using one’s platform responsibly.
