British artist Dev Hynes, a.k.a. Blood Orange, says that he and his girlfriend, Samantha Urbani, were assaulted by Lallapalooza secruity shortly after his Friday, August 1, performance at the music festival. Hynes sent out several tweets explaining the situation.
Samantha and I just got assaulted by the security. We are about to press charges
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
They grabbed her I asked what they were doing and they grabbed my neck and threw me to the ground, then two others joined in on me
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Everyone saw it. We are pressing charges, I can’t believe it. I’m so upset. Why is this still happening? I just want to make music
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
I WAS JUMPED BY THREE SECURITY GUARDS AND SAMANTHA WAS TOUCHED BY SECURITY. WE ARE HURT. WE PLAYED YOUR FESTIVAL. @lollapalooza
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
If they’re doing this to the musicians playing, then how have they been treating all the attendees throughout the day?
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Thanks for the support. We are both very shaken and I am pretty bruised up. But blessed to be alive in this world. Others aren’t as lucky. X
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Ps. One of the security guards is claiming that I assaulted him which is insanity. If you saw the incident please get in touch. Thanks.
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Hynes said that he gave a speech during his set touching on racism and police brutality. He was also wearing a shirt that he and his grilfriend made with the names of several victims of race-charged violence and police brutality, including Trayvon Martin and Eric Garner.
Samantha & I made this T-shirt which I’m wearing today. The set is dedicated to these names & more. We remember. pic.twitter.com/si4ndgDrK1
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 1, 2014
I gave a speech on racism and police brutality and then I am jumped by three security guards and my gf is assaulted. @lollapalooza
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
I’m in pain, what the fuck. The irony after my t shirt and message this morning, we are in shock
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Urbani shared her own account of the events and thoughts on her Twitter page.
Insane how nightmare situations can just come in2 action so suddenly. Being assaulted by security &watching them attack Dev- so traumatizing
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Shaking/crying feeling extremely violated &generally unsafe, beyond sad we missed the eminem show we were so psyched 4.
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Terrifying thinking about if Dev was attacked like that & had a physical disability- like a heart problem, or ASTHMA #RIPEricGarner
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
How insanely ironic that I wore a homemade “STOP POLICE BRUTALITY” shirt onstage 2day &begged audience 2take care of eachother &film arrests
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Rly not trying 2be 2self victimizing btw- this has shaken me so deeply bc this shit happens 2 ppl on all levels, constantly- feels endless
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Thanks 4support guys, rly. We’re shaken upset sad etc but ok. Just want 2keep working against violence &abuse of power. Speak up &take care.
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Fans came to the couple’s defense, writing comments addressing the situation on the festival’s Facebook page, but the comments were quickly deleted after having been posted.
Apparently people are tweeting & writing on @lollapalooza Facebook page and they keep deleting the comments
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
@devhynes I wrote on their Facebook asking about it and they deleted my comment.
— Jennifer (@sooosleepy) August 2, 2014
@devhynes @lollapalooza keep in their mentions folks…they are removing the posts as quick as they go up
— a.Bohemia (@ayannabohemia) August 2, 2014
Lollapalooza released a brief statement through Pitchfork acknowledging the “incident.”
“Late Friday night, we learned of an incident involving an artist and a security guard on site. Since then, we have been in contact with those involved and the authorities, as we work together to resolve the situation. As always, our top priority is to ensure the safety of everyone at the festival.”
We will update this post as more information comes in.
