Olivia Rodrigo fans make sad point after concertgoer ‘kisses’ her unprovoked
Olivia Rodrigo fans have voiced their frustration after footage appeared to show someone kissing the singer’s arm during a close-up interaction at one of her concerts.
The moment was captured during Rodrigo’s Unraveled Tour stop at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena on October 3.
Video shared online appears to show Rodrigo walking alongside the barricade while performing ‘Stupid Song’, giving those at the front an opportunity to briefly interact with her.
As Rodrigo passes, numerous fans can be seen reaching out towards the singer.
Advert
One audience member then appears to hold her arm and press their mouth against it several times before Rodrigo continues moving along the barricade.
As yet, Rodrigo hasn’t publicly commented on the viral moment.
The footage quickly circulated on social media, where fans argued that being given an opportunity to briefly touch or hold an artist’s hand should not be interpreted as permission for more intimate physical contact.
One person wrote: “I can’t believe this has to be said, but please don’t grab at artists during their barricade walks. And ESPECIALLY do not put your mouth on them. Do not kiss their arms. These are REAL PEOPLE”
Another fumed: “I’m sorry but I cannot get over that video of that ‘fan’ kissing Olivia’s arm. It’s so incredibly disgusting and disrespectful.”
They added: “SHE DOES NOT KNOW YOU. Imagine how you’d feel if someone came up to you on the street and kissed your arm. It’s weird!”
“People like this ruin things for others,” insisted another.
The incident has struck a particular nerve because Rodrigo has made close interactions with her audience a feature of the new tour.
Reviews from the opening night of the tour described Rodrigo walking beside different sections of the barricade, holding hands with fans and stopping for spontaneous interactions.
Security remained nearby throughout.
Other fans shared their concerns online that ‘inappropriate behaviour’ from a small number of people could ultimately make artists less willing to get close to audiences.
Further footage from Rodrigo’s next show on October 4 prompted further discussion, with fans saying that she appeared to crouch lower while making her way beside the barricade, when compared to the time before.
Some interpreted the change as an attempt to put more distance between herself and reaching hands.
The desire to secure a barricade spot has become a significant part of modern concert culture, with some fans spending large sums and waiting for hours for the chance to get as close to performers as possible.
However, as fans have stressed, proximity to a performer does not erase ordinary personal boundaries.
If those barricade moments stop feeling safe or comfortable, everyone in the crowd risks losing them.
Tyla has contacted Olivia Rodrigo's representatives for a comment.
Topics: Music, Entertainment, Celebrity
Jen Thomas