During a recent concert, singer Monica halted her performance and hopped off stage to confront a man who she observed punch a woman in the audience.
The incident took place Saturday night at the Riverfront Music Festival in Detroit while "The Boy is Mine" singer was entertaining the crowd just before beginning a new song.
Monica noticed the interaction as she began to sing and abruptly turned and repeated:
"Wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute..."
She then called out the man while attempting to have him escorted out, adding:
“You don’t hit no f**kin’ lady like that."
The "Angel of Mine" jumped off the stage to ensure the man was exiting the venue and then returned to the stage and apologized to the audience.
“That sh*t triggered me."
“I seen him punch that lady in the face, I lost my f**kin’ temper. I apologize ya’ll."
"I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
“I was gonna knock [his] a** out with this f**kin’ mic.”
You can watch the video below.
Viewers applauded Monica for stepping in.
They also assured the singer no apology was necessary whatsoever.
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
Many also expressed their dismay the singer needed to intervene in the first place.
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
@theshaderoom/Instagram
Monica herself took to the comments of the Instagram video to once again apologize and also explain her reasons for getting involved.
“I apologized there and I’m apologizing here for my actions but no one would take action!”
“I was so triggered, I watched and she didn’t appear to even know him!”
She continued, writing:
“It appeared to be about space during a packed concert!”
“He punched her with all his strength! My intentions were to prevent her from being hit again and she wasn’t!"
"I asked for help, it fell on deaf ears! It was like seeing my mother or an aunt be assaulted!! This woman was 50+ I pray she’s ok!”
@theshaderoom/Instagram
In a statement made to CBS News, Riverfront Music Festival spokesperson Andrus Macdonald commended Monica and claimed law enforcement is now involved.
He said:
"We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Monica for her courage and decisive intervention during an unfortunate incident at our Festival."
“Her actions demonstrated a commitment to the safety and respect of her fans, reinforcing our belief that she is not just an extraordinary talent, but an extraordinary individual as well.”
We second that.
Kudos, Monica, for standing up and taking action.