The Sorority Mug Shot That Broke the Internet
Lily Stewart's mug shot. Photo courtesy of Athens-Clarke County Jail.
Lily Stewart didn't just get arrested — she went viral. When Georgia State Patrol officers pulled over the University of Georgia sophomore twice within minutes for speeding, the incident could have faded into college lore. Instead, her mug shot — with its pageant-ready smile and pearl earrings — launched her into the national spotlight.
Caught Speeding, Twice in 2 Minutes
On March 8, 2025, Stewart barreled down a rural Georgia highway, sunroof open, Drake blasting. State troopers clocked her at 79 mph in a 55 zone. They issued a citation. Two minutes later, officers stopped her again — this time going 84 mph. Stewart said she was rushing to a fraternity day party in Milledgeville, Georgia, and didn’t want to keep her friends waiting.
The Georgia State Patrol didn't laugh. Officers arrested her on the spot and hauled her off to jail, where she posed for the mug shot that millions would soon see.
Booking photos rarely trend, but Stewart's did. Within days, people dubbed her "Miss America" and flooded TikTok® with comments like, "She was speeding to get the last pumpkin spice latte," as reported by PEOPLE. Others chimed in, with supportive comments like, "I don't know what she did but free her," according to Fox News.
Smile Now, Explain Later
Stewart didn't shy away from the attention. She leaned into the meme, posting on social media and speaking to national outlets about the arrest. Her explanation? "Everyone's been asking me, 'Why'd you smile, why'd you smile?' I just smile. It was just like an instinct," she told PEOPLE. She added, "There were cameras up there. I popped my smile and turned to the side."
When asked about her sudden fame, she said, "I look like a basic white girl, and I am ... I think it's hilarious. One of them was like, 'We know she has a monogram rain jacket' — which I do," according to PEOPLE.
From Internet Darling to Court Date Repeat
Just when it seemed like the buzz might die down, Stewart landed back in jail. On March 23, 2025, Athens-Clarke County authorities arrested her again — this time for obstruction of a law enforcement officer and loitering or prowling. She posted a $4,600 bond and walked out hours later. Her attorney told Fox News, they had "no comment" on the new charges.
Suddenly, Stewart's 15 minutes of fame started looking more like a cautionary tale.
Lessons, Likes, and Legal Trouble
While Stewart racked up followers, critics questioned whether the viral moment distracted from the seriousness of her actions. Morgan County Sheriff Tyler Hooks didn't mince words. "As fast as she was alleged to have been going, she could have hurt herself or someone else," he told PEOPLE. "So hopefully she just learned her lesson."
Stewart said she planned to complete a defensive driving course, serve 20 hours of community service, and write a paper on speeding. She told PEOPLE, "I'm going to say that speeding kills."
Still, she joked that going viral had its perks. "If you do get caught speeding, maybe get arrested for it. Maybe you'll go viral and get some Instagram followers," she said, according to PEOPLE.
For now, she's back at the University of Georgia, working on her accounting degree and hinting that we haven’t seen the last of her. "One day, I'm going to go on 'The Bachelor,' so maybe expect me then," she told PEOPLE.
Stewart may have smiled for the mug shot, but the aftermath proves viral fame doesn't always come with a happy ending.
References: Georgia sorority girl seen in 'smiling' mugshot arrested again weeks after 1st run in with police | How College Student's Smiling Mug Shot Went Viral — and What Her Parents Think (Exclusive)
