Supporters of Sean “Diddy” Combs have taken to pouring baby oil on each other outside the courthouse where the music mogul’s trial continues to unfold.
CNN reported the unusual scene, showing the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the high-profile case. The demonstration appears to reference testimony about “freak offs” mentioned during the proceedings.
“People are pouring baby oil on one another outside this courthouse,” a CNN correspondent reported from the scene. “Maybe you are having a very big play in the freak offs we heard about.”
The spectacle exists alongside other provocative displays, with supporters chanting phrases like “it’s not RICO, it’s FRICO.” This is a play on the racketeering charges Combs faces, mixed with terminology related to allegations discussed in court.
The courthouse environment has turned into something resembling a partisan sporting event, with reactions sharply divided along support lines. When Janice Combs, the defendant’s mother, arrived at the courthouse, she was greeted with “elated cheers” according to reporters on scene. Similarly, Combs’ six adult children, three sons and three daughters, receive enthusiastic welcomes when they arrive for proceedings.
However, the atmosphere isn’t universally supportive. Reporters have noted that family members sometimes face “scathing and disrespectful comments” from those opposed to Combs, with profanity-laced remarks directed at the family.
Combs currently faces significant legal challenges. However, theatrical demonstrations outside do not convey the seriousness of the proceedings inside. Social media has amplified these scenes, with videos of the baby oil incidents circulating widely across platforms, further fueling public interest in the case.
Court officials have declined to comment on the demonstrations, focusing instead on maintaining order inside the courtroom where the actual legal proceedings continue. Meanwhile, both prosecution and defense teams appear to be ignoring the carnival-like atmosphere developing outside, maintaining their focus on the serious legal matters at hand.
As the trial continues, security personnel face the challenging task of maintaining appropriate decorum in an increasingly unpredictable environment.