The recent verdict in Sean Diddy Combs' sex-trafficking trial drew significant public attention, culminating in a spectacle typical of high-profile celebrity court cases in New York City. The scene outside the federal courthouse in downtown Manhattan was bustling with a multitude of news camera crews, hundreds of onlookers, and a heavy presence of law enforcement. However, what truly dominated the atmosphere was a vibrant assembly of influencers, content creators, and provocateurs, who turned out in droves for the verdict announcement on Wednesday.
In a surprising outcome, Combs was acquitted of major charges including racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking, though he was found guilty of lesser charges. The verdict ignited a series of theatrical stunts that unfolded on the streets surrounding the courthouse. Notable antics included contentious debates streamed live online, individuals donning costumes inspired by Diddy, and even celebratory gatherings where participants sprayed each other with baby oil—a substance that was frequently highlighted during the trial.
This trial exemplifies how celebrity legal battles are increasingly becoming fertile ground for online content creators to generate viral material. Armon Wiggins, a popular commentator on pop culture, shared his experience, stating, “It’s been great. I’ve been able to monetize incredibly.” Wiggins, who has more than 285,000 YouTube subscribers, relocated from Los Angeles to New York in May to cover the trial. His dedication paid off, as he gained over 60,000 new subscribers while providing daily breakdowns of the courtroom proceedings on his channels.
Similarly, Michelle Bracey, who resides in Manhattan, found her niche while covering Combs' trial. Attending daily sessions and sharing her humorous analyses on TikTok under the handle miss_knockout, Bracey witnessed her follower count surge from 9,000 to over 40,000 during the trial. “This is a life-changing moment for me personally,” she expressed, highlighting how this newfound attention has opened doors for her music career and potential show opportunities.
Bracey is cautious about maintaining professionalism in her content, distinguishing herself from others she labeled as clout chasers. Following the verdict, a celebration erupted, with a group of attendees dancing and spraying each other with baby oil. NBC News captured footage of this gathering, which included a woman known as Crackhead Barney, who has over 114,000 followers on Instagram. Despite not being a fan of Combs, she identified as a performance artist aiming for viral content, stating, “This is a space for everyone.”
Outside the courthouse, differing opinions regarding Combs' conviction were voiced loudly. A man in a denim jacket confronted another man about the implications of the verdict, with heated exchanges regarding the testimonies provided by Combs' long-time girlfriend, Cassie Ventura. Ventura's testimony, which included allegations of domestic violence, played a pivotal role in the trial, as evidence showed she confronted Combs about his abusive behavior.
Celebrity legal battles, such as the defamation trial between actors Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, and the shooting incident involving Megan Thee Stallion and rapper Tory Lanez, have similarly provided opportunities for influencers to thrive. As the Combs trial concludes, many influencers expressed their intentions to cover other high-profile cases, including ongoing legal disputes involving actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, as well as the case against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
As Wiggins aptly noted, “This is just the very beginning, and it will evolve.” He believes that courts will eventually need to adapt to the growing presence of influencers in these settings, potentially designating specific areas for content creation outside the courtroom.
