The Trial of Diddy: Bonus Episode Summary – An Interview with Baby Oil Influencer, Armand Wiggins
Release Date: July 9, 2025
In this compelling bonus episode of "The Trial of Diddy," hosts Kayla Brantley and Germania Rodriguez sit down with Armand Wiggins, a prominent media personality, to delve into his unique and controversial role in covering the high-profile trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs. This in-depth interview offers listeners an insider’s perspective on the challenges and unforeseen consequences Armand faced while reporting on one of the most scrutinized legal battles of the decade.
1. Armand Wiggins: From Pop Culture Enthusiast to Trial Reporter
Background and Motivation
Armand Wiggins introduces himself as a media personality with a passion for covering pop culture, hip-hop news, and significant legal cases, such as the Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez incidents. Since 2019, Armand has dedicated himself full-time to this niche, blending entertainment with journalism. When the Diddy trial emerged in 2023, Armand recognized its cultural significance and resolved to provide comprehensive coverage.
"When the lawsuit originally came out back in 2023, I told myself I was like, I'm covering this case. So I said, I'm gonna make sure that I be at the Diddy trial. Cause it's gonna be huge for the culture and it's gonna be big for me and my fans." [03:16]
To fully immerse himself in the trial, Armand relocated to New York, securing an Airbnb and committing two months to document every aspect of the proceedings.
2. The Viral Baby Oil Incident: Unintended Consequences
The Incident Unfolds
On the final day of the trial, amidst the intense atmosphere, Armand and his colleague Uda, a fellow YouTuber, engaged in a spontaneous act that would soon spiral into a viral phenomenon. What began as a lighthearted "More Oil" celebration quickly escalated when Uda began squirting baby oil on Armand. This act was meant to be a humorous nod to the trial's intense moments but was captured by numerous cameras, leading to widespread misunderstanding.
"I have been going viral on TikTok. I've been going viral all online, you know, and it almost seems like this one baby oil incident erased all of that." [05:14]
3. Misinterpretation and Public Backlash
From Satire to Scandal
Armand explains that the intention behind the baby oil act was never to support Diddy but to provide a digestible and relatable way to discuss the trial's heavy subjects. However, the timing and representation in the media led to a stark misinterpretation.
"It was irresponsible. Even if my people and my fans and I knew my intent behind it, it doesn't matter when you have 150 cameras out there in a heightened situation like that." [12:03]
The incident was widely reported with headlines suggesting that Diddy supporters were celebrating a non-guilty verdict, casting Armand in an unfavorable light despite his clarifications.
4. Personal Reflections and Accountability
Regrets and Lessons Learned
Acknowledging the repercussions, Armand expresses deep regret over the incident, emphasizing that it was never his intention to trivialize the victims' experiences.
"I regret it for the simple fact that people were hurting. And it teaches me never to be above reproach. And if you make a mistake, be humble enough to say, hey, I didn't mean that, and I apologize." [13:38]
He takes full responsibility for the missteps, recognizing that the heightened environment and multiple cameras made it challenging to control the narrative.
5. The Role of Independent Media in High-Profile Trials
Challenges Faced by YouTubers and Influencers
Armand discusses the evolving landscape of journalism, highlighting the struggles independent content creators face in gaining respect compared to traditional media professionals. He underscores the importance of authenticity and relatability that independent YouTubers bring to the table, despite the skepticism they often encounter.
"There's something to be said for the people that can go and reach their audience, because there's a rawness, there's a realness, there's a relatability." [14:24]
He also touches upon the misconceptions about independent reporters' intentions, defending his work as a genuine effort to inform and engage his audience rather than exploit the trial for personal gain.
6. Impact on Followers and Personal Reputation
Dealing with Backlash and Loss of Followers
The viral baby oil incident led to significant backlash, including loss of followers and widespread hate. Armand candidly shares his experience of enduring public criticism and the challenges of restoring his reputation.
"I got a lot of hate. And there was a lot of people saying, he was doing so good and he just sabotaged himself." [12:35]
Despite the negativity, Armand remains resilient, viewing the experience as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
7. Experiences on the Ground During the Trial
Commitment and Sacrifice
Armand narrates the lengths he went to cover the trial, including sleeping outdoors at 2 AM to secure early access to the courtroom. His dedication underscores his commitment to providing comprehensive coverage despite the personal hardships involved.
"I slept out there on my back. 2am Hoodie on, glasses on, you know what I mean?" [17:31]
8. Future Endeavors and Continuing the Journey
Looking Ahead
Despite the setbacks, Armand remains optimistic about his future in media. He hints at expanding his repertoire to include more radio, television, and film projects, while still expressing interest in covering future trials.
"What's next? Well, you just have to wait and see. I know a lot of people say that But I got some things cooking. I'm excited for it." [20:27]
Conclusion
Armand Wiggins' interview provides a nuanced look into the complexities faced by modern media personalities covering high-stakes legal cases. His honest reflections on the viral baby oil incident reveal the precarious balance between engaging content and responsible journalism. As "The Trial of Diddy" continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Armand's experiences serve as a cautionary tale and a testament to the ever-evolving nature of media in the digital age.
For more insights and detailed coverage of high-profile trials, follow "The Trial of Diddy" on X and Instagram @thetrialpod. Engage with the community by leaving comments on Spotify or sending voice notes via WhatsApp at +447796657512 (start your message with 'Trial').