New exhibit features criminal defense attorney Stephanie Giancristofaro, who has more than 326,000 TikTok followers
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Adventure Center) — Alcatraz East Crime Museum is preparing a new exhibit exploring how TikTok is changing the way people learn about high-profile criminal cases and the legal system.
The exhibit features Stephanie Giancristofaro, a criminal defense attorney who has built an online following of more than 326,000 people by explaining criminal cases, legal proceedings and defense strategies through short videos.
The exhibit examines the growing role of social media influencers in modern crime reporting, as audiences increasingly turn to digital platforms for information about investigations and court cases.
“There is a tremendous amount of information, and misinformation, surrounding high-profile criminal cases online,” Giancristofaro said. “I use my platform to bring the conversation back to the facts: what the evidence actually shows, what the law actually says, and what is simply speculation. People are entitled to their own opinions, but those opinions should start with accurate information.”
Giancristofaro began posting videos after recognizing that many people struggle to understand the legal issues surrounding criminal cases. Following the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, she started creating videos to explain the criminal defense process and the laws involved in the case.
Her videos helped viewers make sense of complicated legal information surrounding a case that attracted widespread national attention. She continued producing content about other high-profile cases, explaining legal concepts in accessible terms.
The new exhibit reflects the broader influence of social media on how the public follows criminal investigations, evaluates evidence and discusses legal proceedings.
“The new TikTok influencer exhibit is going to be a fascinating addition to our pop culture section,” said Ally Mills, artifacts and programs manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. “It’s become a widely used platform and continues to grow in popularity. People are now using it to get information about criminal cases and more.”
TikTok’s growing role in news and entertainment
TikTok has expanded beyond short-form entertainment to become a platform where users encounter news, commentary and legal analysis.
According to figures cited by the museum from the Pew Research Center, 37% of U.S. adults use TikTok, and approximately 55% of adult users regularly get news from the platform. The museum also cited research showing that 95% of adult users use TikTok for entertainment.
Giancristofaro’s videos have attracted millions of views, demonstrating the audience for accessible explanations of criminal cases and legal issues.
TikTok launched internationally in 2017 after its Chinese counterpart, Douyin, debuted in 2016. Its popularity grew substantially after its 2018 merger with Musical.ly, an app known for lip-syncing videos.
The platform’s recommendation algorithm has helped creators connect with audiences interested in specific subjects, including criminal justice, legal analysis and crime news.
The exhibit arrives as TikTok marks 10 years since its 2016 launch, highlighting the platform’s evolution and its influence on popular culture and information consumption.
About Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Alcatraz East Crime Museum features more than 100 exhibits and interactive experiences examining crime history, law enforcement, criminal investigations and popular culture.
The museum’s collection includes items associated with notorious figures and cases, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar.
The museum is open daily at 10 a.m., with the final tickets sold 60 minutes before closing.
Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more. Visitors can complete the museum’s online group reservation form and should allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. Information about special events, temporary exhibits, tickets and discounts is available at Alcatraz East Crime Museum’s website.
Editor’s note: The supplied announcement does not specify the exhibit’s opening date or how long it will remain on display, so those details have been left out. The TikTok anniversary and Pew Research Center statistics are attributed to the supplied material and should be verified before publication.
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