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The internet introduced her to millions, but her life soon took a troubling turn.
Lily Stewart first gained widespread attention for her striking mugshot while attending the University of Georgia, but recent headlines highlight deeper issues.
This month, she unexpectedly rose to fame when her stylish booking photo went viral following her arrest.
Her polished appearance and confident smile after a traffic stop earned her playful nicknames like “Miss America” and “Mugshot Shawty,” making her a social media sensation.
Thousands joked that she looked more suited for a beauty pageant than a mugshot, with some teasing that she must have been “late for a Lululemon sale” or rushing to “brunch for bottomless mimosas.”
Her sudden internet fame overshadowed the reality that Stewart had been cited twice for speeding, caught driving at 79 and 84 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Her lighthearted approach to the public attention helped her maintain a sense of humor, and her lawyer later confirmed that the initial speeding charge had been dismissed.
The situation might have faded into obscurity if not for new developments on March 23.
Around 3 a.m., University of Georgia campus police responded to an intrusion alarm at the Tate Student Center, which is typically locked down overnight.
Security cameras captured Stewart and three others entering the building through an exterior stairwell door instead of using their keycards.
When police arrived, the group attempted to flee the scene.
UGA students Payton Drewer, 20, Whitaker Tollmann, 19, and Seamus Gilmartin, 20, were arrested at the Tate Deck.
Stewart, however, chose to evade capture by hiding behind a brick wall near Gate 10 of Sanford Stadium.
Her attempt to escape led to a brief police search before she was eventually discovered.
Police officers were surprised when Stewart openly admitted to the trespassing incident during questioning—a revelation that later captivated the internet.
She explained that she chose to hide because her bond status made her fearful of further punishment. Initially, she asked, “It was about the trespassing?” before taking full responsibility, saying, “That trespassing offense belonged to me throughout.”
Law enforcement found no evidence of alcohol or illegal substances during their investigation, and her associates received minor offenses.
Harvard football player Seamus Gilmartin was found in possession of two fake IDs, resulting in a two-year ban from UGA.
Stewart was released after posting a $4,600 bond, facing charges of loitering/prowling and obstruction of an officer.
The public started talking about Stewart again—not because of her arrest, but because of her reaction to it.
Just like her previous encounter, Stewart posed for her mugshot with a confident grin, which quickly made its way online once more.
Now, with two arrests in a month and both mugshots going viral, the nickname “Mugshot Shawty” has taken on a whole new meaning—while her candid confession to police might be the most unexpected twist yet.
