Lawyer for influencer Meatball claims reports on her arrest are racist

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 photos on her Instagram Stories that gleefully documented the mass plunder of several businesses, including an Apple store, a Foot Locker, a Lululemon and a liquor store.

The content creator with close to 650,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok could be seen laughing, clapping and shouting “Let’s go!” as she witnessed suspected looters fleeing the scene while she was driven across the city.

Blackwell was even seen taunting the local police — encouraging them to arrest her hours before she was charged with six felonies.

But in an open letter to the media, Jessica Mann, a lawyer representing Blackwell, said the media portrayal of the 21-year-old influencer is “unjust.”

“It sickens me to witness the media’s compliance in what can only be described as an all-out assault on black and brown people, as their character and actions are mercilessly vilified,” she wrote in the letter posted to her Instagram.

“We cannot afford to disregard this insidious justice.”

Mann went on to describe her client as a “charismatic 21-year-old African American female, [who] was catapulted into the limelight through her incredible talent for creating hilarious 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.

“Still, this person described above does not garner clicks on your websites, so you post the mugshot with tears streaming down her face and her hair a mess to satisfy your need to get ‘clicks’ and to sell a salacious story,” she claimed.

She also argued that Blackwell was only “capturing the raw reality of public outrage when she streamed the events that occurred on the night of Sept. 26, 2023 in Philadelphia.” The attorney attempted to justify Blackwell’s actions as a response to the city dismissing charges against a police officer who shot a man point-blank through a car window.

But city officials have claimed the organized gangs were not tied to earlier protests against a judge’s decision to dismiss all charges against Officer Mark Dial, and were trying to take advantage of the situation.

“How can we stand idly by as they continue to paint Dayjia as the perpetrator, when she was merely holding up a mirror to Philadelphia so that it could see its ugly reflection?” Mann asked.

She said Blackwell’s decision “to memorialize and share her experiences on social media should be commended, not condemned.

“She bravely exposed the deep-seated issues that plague our society, forcing us to confront the uncomfortable truths we so desperately ignore,” Mann wrote.

“Yet, instead of engaging in meaningful dialogue about 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 saying: “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 ignored.

“It is time for the media to fulfill its duty to shed light on the real issues at hand, and to work 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 prefer, you know, never loot again, stay out of trouble, never go to jail,” she told NBC Philadelphia on Thursday.