Luke Bryan Punches Fan In Face During Concert, Continues Singing [Video]
You don’t mess with Luke Bryan!
One fan learned that lesson the hard way when he decided to make crude hand gestures at Bryan during his performance at Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam on Wednesday at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
According to Fox News, Bryan was in the middle of his set when a man near the stage started flipping him off. It was then that Luke yelled “come on” before jumping from the stage and punching the man in the face. Bryan then climbed back on the stage and continued performing his song “Move,” while the man was escorted out of the Arena by security personnel. People magazine reports that there were two men involved in the altercation, one who was holding a sign that read, “We can see your camel toe,” a stab at Luke for his tight-fitting jeans.
S/o to @LukeBryanOnline for handling this jerk & finishing the song???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/6p66CQqdGr
— kels (@_kelseymeador) December 1, 2016
In a statement to E! News, Luke Bryan’s rep explained why he decided to take matters into his own hands during the performance. Not only was the man insulting Bryan, but he was also insulting the men, women, and families who were there for a great cause, and Luke wasn’t going to have them be disrespected.
“A man in front row was making crude hand gestures toward Luke during his performance,” his rep explained. “It was insulting not only to him, but more importantly to the men, women and families sitting around him who were there to support and celebrate Charlie Daniels and the efforts of raising money for the military veterans – some of who were in the audience. The concert security personnel saw the man’s disruptive actions of the event and he was escorted out.”
Watch the video of the altercation below.
Luke Bryan was part of an all-star lineup that included fellow celebrities 3 Doors Down, Travis Tritt, Larry the Cable Guy, Kid Rock, and Chris Stapleton, among others. The event was in honor of Charlie Daniels’ birthday, and was to raise funds for the Journey Home Project, which helps U.S. military veterans in different aspects of their lives.
“Often when our veterans return from their tour of service, the tolls of war have been too great to bear alone,” the organization’s website reads. “Wars in the Middle East and other parts of the world have left some of our bravest service personnel with injuries that will affect them the rest of their lives. Some require intense rehabilitation and years of physical therapy.”
“Other trauma cannot be seen,” the website continues. “The horrors of war leave psychological scars that make it difficult to reenter civilian life. Many are hesitant to seek the help they need, or encounter red tape and stigma when they do reach out for help. Cutbacks to veterans’ services from the federal government, combined with an increase in wartime active personnel has put a strain on health care, education and job opportunities for veterans. And so many want to help. The Journey Home Project sees as its mission connecting donors to veterans’ organizations that do the most good.”
.@LukeBryanOnline Great vist lastnight with this guy @CharlieDaniels Jam. First show he saw at 8 yrs old was one of mine with @jerryleelewis pic.twitter.com/cxdbzUUHD2
— TG Sheppard (@TGSheppardmusic) December 1, 2016
As Fox News reports, more than 15,000 fans showed up to the birthday bash and charity event, which raised $245,000 for the cause.
What do you think about Luke Bryan punching the fan in the face? Do you think he went too far? Were his actions justified? Leave your comments below.
[Featured Image by Gustavo Caballero/ Getty Images]
