Paramore Address Apparent Assault at Utah Concert: “Paramore Does Not Condone Violence”

Paramore have shared a statement addressing an apparent incident of assault at their October 4 concert at the Great Saltair in Magna, Utah. “After last night’s show in [Salt Lake City], we were made aware of an incident that happened in the crowd while we were on stage,” the band wrote. “A man physically and verbally assaulted multiple women, including an engaged couple at our show. Our security team and venue staff were made aware and were able to restrain and remove him. We did not realize this was happening, as the incident took place out of view from stage. Had we seen any of this happening, we would have stopped the show until the situation was under control.”

Paramore added that they do not condone “violence, homophobia, or bigotry of any kind,” and that it is “supremely unwelcome in [the band’s] community and has no place at [the band’s] shows.” You can find the group’s full statement below. Pitchfork has reached out to the venue for comment and more information.

Last night’s concert in Magna—roughly 15 miles away from Salt Lake City—marked the second date of Paramore’s fall North American tour. At the first show, the band played “Misery Business” for the first time since 2018.

Next year, on February 10, Paramore will release the new album This Is Why via Atlantic. The band recently shared the LP’s title track.

Paramore:

After last night’s show in SLC, we were made aware of an incident that happened in the crowd while we were on stage. A man physically and verbally assaulted multiple women, including an engaged couple at our show. Our security team and venue staff were made aware and were able to restrain and remove him.

We did not realize this was happening, as the incident took place out of view from stage. Had we seen any of this happening, we would have stopped the show until the situation was under control.

PARAMORE DOES NOT CONDONE violence, homophobia, or bigotry of any kind. It is supremely unwelcome in our community and has no place at our shows.

To the fans who were hurt by or who witnessed what happened last night, we are so sorry. We hope that you know we will always do anything we can to protect you and make you feel celebrated.

To make things as clear as possible: Paramore shows are meant to be a safe place for people. If you can’t respect that, do not come.