Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fans drench themselves in baby oil to celebrate rapper's trial verdict
Ardent supporters of the embattled hip-hop mogul gathered outside Manhattan court on July 2 to celebrate the conclusion of Combs' nearly two-month trial, according to footage shared on social media.
The Grammy-winning rapper, 55, was found guilty of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution but acquitted on the most serious charge of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts. After learning of his partial acquittal, Combs clasped his hands together and raised them in a prayer motion toward the jury.
Some of Combs' fans expressed enthusiasm by covering themselves in baby oil, a controversial item referenced throughout the sweeping federal sex-crimes case. Baby oil and lubricant, specifically over 1,000 bottles, were among the paraphernalia discovered during the federal raids of Combs' homes in March 2024, U.S. attorney Damian Williams revealed in a September 2024 press conference.
In one clip, shared by news outlet TMZ and X user CultureClips, a female fan wearing a blue wig could be heard chanting, "I want the baby oil!" while she jumped around in excitement.
In another video, shared by X user Katherine Harris, a shirtless male fan screamed "More oil!" as he reacted to the verdict news with other spectators.
Baby oil was among the paraphernalia discovered during the federal raids of Combs' homes in March 2024, U.S. attorney Damian Williams revealed in a September 2024 press conference. The items included multiple AR-15 guns, large-capacity magazines, "evidence" of Combs' alleged sex crimes and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant.
Diddy fans celebrate his 'not guilty' verdict outside the courthouse by pouring baby oil on each other 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/Iy7wHAQaB7
According to Combs' original indictment, the baby oil bottles found in his homes were used during the hip-hop mogul's alleged "freak off" parties, which were described as "elaborate and produced sex performances" that involved sex workers. Other items included multiple AR-15 guns, large-capacity magazines and additional "evidence" of Combs' alleged sex crimes.
Fans' emphatic celebration of Combs' verdict mirrors similar behavior throughout the high-profile trial, which ignited a ferocious media circus among journalists, social media influencers and zealous supporters of Combs.
Inside the court's overflow rooms, where many reporters and onlookers watched the trial unfold on midsize TV screens, fans' antics went largely unchecked by security, as they cackled, booed and hissed profanities when the rapper's accusers took the stand.
Social media slams Diddy verdict: 'A nasty precedent'
Much like the verdict in Combs' case, the court of public opinion has been split on the rapper's legal fate.
Unlike Combs' oil-lathered fans outside the courthouse, many on social media expressed their disappointment at the partial acquittal in Combs' verdict. Some A-list critics of the disgraced music mogul, including 50 Cent and Danity Kane singer Aubrey O'Day, also criticized the ruling.
"The Diddy verdict is going to set a nasty precedent and trend for what people (especially those with wealth & power) believe they can get away with, when it comes to sex, domestic violence, (and) abuse crimes," one X user wrote. "And that's honestly, the most terrifying part of this entire case."
10 bingeable memoirs to check out: Celebrities tell all about aging, marriage and Beyoncé
Some social media users also shared their dismay at the significance of the verdict for victims of sexual abuse. "The verdict for Diddy is a message to all women that they are not believed. Sorry to the women out there," an X user wrote. "The victims especially, they deserved better."
Contributing: KiMi Robinson, Patrick Ryan, Aysha Bagchi, Anna Kaufman, Brendan Morrow and Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
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