NEW YORK — The conclusion of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ sex-trafficking trial on Wednesday drew significant attention, not just from traditional media, but from a multitude of content creators eager to capture live moments outside the Manhattan federal courthouse. The trial, which culminated in Combs’ acquittal on major charges but guilty verdicts on lesser counts, became a theatrical affair, prompting a range of antics and discussions among onlookers.
As the verdict was announced, a bustling crowd filled the streets, with news crews and spectators mingling alongside influencers and social media enthusiasts. This blend of personalities turned the scene into an ongoing performance art piece. One of the prominent figures, Armon Wiggins, expressed the financial success he experienced by covering the trial. “I’ve been able to monetize incredibly,” he stated, acknowledging his climb to fame through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Since relocating to New York in May, his subscriber count surged by more than 60,000.
Similarly, Michelle Bracey, who chronicled the trial daily on her TikTok account, experienced explosive growth. She noted that her follower count skyrocketed from 9,000 to over 40,000, describing it as a “life-changing moment.” Bracey emphasized her commitment to maintaining professionalism in her commentary, distancing herself from those who seek attention through reckless behavior.
Meanwhile, celebrations erupted an hour after the verdict. A group supporting Combs engaged in a cheerful display, dancing and playfully drenching each other in baby oil — a recurring theme in trial testimonies. Among the participants, an influencer known as Crackhead Barney claimed her actions were purely performance art, aimed at creating “shock value” content. Despite facing backlash online, she remained unapologetic, asserting that the courthouse was an open space for all forms of expression.
The atmosphere outside the courthouse also became a stage for clash of opinions. Two men representing opposing views on Combs’ innocence engaged in a heated debate, drawing attention from the assembled crowd. The back-and-forth echoed the complexities of the trial, where testimonies detailed disturbing allegations, including abuse by Combs toward his former girlfriend, Cassie Ventura.
As the trial’s spectacle unfolded, it mirrored other celebrity legal battles that have captivated online audiences, such as the high-profile cases involving Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, or the ongoing legal issues surrounding Tory Lanez. Influencers indicated plans to pivot their focus to other notable court cases, underscoring a trend where the legal arena intersects with pop culture.
Wiggins predicted that as influencers continue to navigate this intersection, the court system may need to accommodate them. “This is just the very beginning,” he said, alluding to a future where content creation and legal proceedings coexist. The evolution of celebrity trials into platforms for social media expression illustrates the changing landscape of news coverage and public engagement, making the courtroom not just a place for justice but also for performance and commentary.