Saweetie Faces Backlash After Chicago Concert Stampede, Fans Rally in Support
3 min read
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
On Sunday, June 23, singer and rapper Saweetie took the stage at the Vegandale Festival in Grant Park, Chicago. However, what started as a promising performance turned chaotic when an altercation broke out in the audience, leading to a stampede.
A video of the incident has since gone viral. In the footage, Saweetie is seen stopping her performance, asking the DJ to pause the music, and addressing the crowd with concern: “I know y’all ain’t doing what I think y’all doing. Is everybody safe?” Unfortunately, before she could finish speaking, people began to disperse frantically, resulting in a chaotic stampede.
In the aftermath, social media has been abuzz with diverse opinions. Some critics have blamed the 30-year-old artist for the incident, arguing that her decision to address the crowd and call off the show midway led to the chaos. Conversely, many fans and netizens have come to her defense, asserting that the sudden dispersal was not her fault.
Chaos at Vegandale during Saweetie Set pic.twitter.com/vqmMmqwpMV
— The Gworls Are Fighting (@baddietvv) June 24, 2024
For instance, Instagram user @coopcancook commented on the incident video shared by The Shade Room: “No way folks are blaming her for this. Smh.” Supporters of Saweetie echoed similar sentiments on X, formerly known as Twitter. One user wrote, “Chicago people tryna blame Saweetie for what happened is crazy asf.” Another fan added, “We scared my girl @Saweetie off the stage. I hate y’all sometimes.”
One netizen praised the rapper for her quick thinking and concern for the audience’s safety: “S/O to @Saweetie for surveying the scene and ensuring the safety of the crowd. Stand up more. I’d definitely go to a show knowing you care for your fans.”
However, some detractors were vocal in their criticism. One individual tweeted, “This is all Saweetie’s fault. Why would you say on stage in Chicago ‘I know y’all not doing what I think y’all doing.’ Mfs assumed shooting and it was a stampede.” Another person added, “@Saweetie don’t ever come back to Chicago babe. You caused us wayyyy too much harm than needed.”
Amidst the confusion, rumors circulated about a possible shooting at the venue, although many attendees dismissed these claims.
Saweetie addressed the incident and subsequent backlash on social media. On Sunday night, after her performance, she posted on X: “Hope everyone got home safe tonight. That crowd looked crazy.” The following day, she responded to a user who accused her of inciting unnecessary fear: “Well… the crowd did look crazy, which is why I hope everyone got home safe. Also, I could’ve gone home after the fight broke out, but I stayed, waited, & after 2 Chainz performed. I went back on stage to finish my set because I care…”
The Grammy-nominated artist’s response emphasized her commitment to her fans and her desire to ensure their safety. Despite the controversy, Saweetie remains focused on her upcoming performances, including her appearance at Angie’s Summer BBQ on July 13 alongside artists like Normani, Maiya The Don, 41, Connie Diamond, and Honey Bxby.
As the debate continues, Saweetie’s fans stand firmly by her side, defending her actions and applauding her professionalism in handling the unexpected and stressful situation.
chicago people tryna blame saweetie for what happened is crazy asf
— Hawk Tuah🏳️🌈 (@Yall_HoesWeird) June 25, 2024
We scared my girl @Saweetie off the stage 😭 I hate yall sometimes #vegandale #chicago
— Nola Giannà 💕🫶🏾 (@Uniique_Complx7) June 24, 2024
S/O to @Saweetie for surveying the scene and ensuring the safety of the crowd. Stand up move ✊🏿. I’d definitely go to a show knowing you care for your fans.
— Sacramento Proud A’s (@YoSahop) June 24, 2024
leave her alone omg
— かわいい(=´ω`=) (@ka3aii) June 24, 2024
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
