In a dramatic and surreal scene outside New York’s Lower Manhattan federal courthouse, supporters of Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated his mixed verdict by applying baby oil to themselves. The moment captured public attention, echoing curious trial evidence and fueling intense debate.
A Slippery Celebration
Following the jury’s announcement that Combs was acquitted of racketeering and sex trafficking but convicted on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution, a spontaneous celebration emerged. Crowds reportedly “poured baby oil on themselves while chanting ‘It’s not RICO, it’s freak-o.’” Videos documented shirtless men drizzled in oil, wigs tossed aside, and dancers slick with liquid under the mid‑day sun.
“It’s pure madness … he skated on the most serious criminal charges” remarked one bystander, referencing the surreal atmosphere outside the courthouse. Another marcher chanted riffs on courtroom humor, “If it don’t slip, you must acquit,” a clear callback to O.J. Simpson’s iconic defense.
This bizarre spectacle echoed courtroom testimony. Prosecutors had introduced more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil seized during raids on Combs’ properties, citing their use at his legendary “Freak‑Off” parties. Those parties, claimed to involve heavy drug use and unsafe sexual acts, even included over-the‑top references to lubricant and oil.
Symbolism and Split Reactions
For many fans, the oil became a symbol of defiance. One supporter told NBC News a baby-oil drenched woman danced as a man interpreted celebration through touch and sheen. Meanwhile, another crowd member carried signs, chanted “Free Puff!”, and played music by King Combs and Ye.
Yet for others, the festive scene bordered on tone‑deaf. Critics pointed to the gravity of the charges—drug-fueled coercion, abuse, and trafficking testimonies given by Cassie Ventura and other accusers—and questioned the celebratory theme.
Advocacy groups echoed these concerns. UltraViolet and survivors’ advocates lamented what they called a failure of accountability, highlighting the emotional toll on those who came forward.
What Next for Diddy
Despite his partial acquittal, Combs remains detained. A bail hearing is pending after he was denied release, and sentencing has yet to be scheduled. Each prostitution count carries up to ten years, though legal observers suggest an actual term could be far lower given credit for time already served.
For supporters, the baby oil ritual was more than spectacle—it was protest. “It’s a reclamation of narrative,” one fan told The Root, transforming prosecution symbols into statements of solidarity.
Whether this oily demonstration will be remembered as triumph or trivialization remains uncertain. What is clear: it has become one of the most enduring visual symbols of one of the most unusual high‑profile trials in recent memory.