Witnessing superstar singers play live on stage is always a thrill, especially after the pandemic put a stop to live performances for so long. However, when Adam Levine joined Maroon 5 on stage, one fan went a little too far in her admiration for him. Could that action possibly result in a fully calm and leveled-out response?
But if anything, what happened next should persuade other daring fans that it's probably not worth running and shocking a celebrity you care about with a hug. Why? Because that person might respond the way Adam Levine did, cringe face and all. But what do fans really think about Adam Levine’s response as seen in the viral video?
Adam Levine’s Creeped-Out Reaction
During Audacy's 'We Can Survive' concert at the Hollywood Bowl, a female fan stormed the stage and attempted to grab Adam Levine before being hauled away by security. The 42-year-old musician, who could scarcely hide his horror and contempt, responded with an expletive.
As seen in the viral TikTok video, Adam exaggeratedly shook himself off after the fan hugged him onstage. He seemed to agree with the common refrain that it's never right to approach and touch someone without their permission, whether it's a random stranger on the street or a famous singer.
Furthermore, the concert also happened in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, adding to spectators' concerns over Adam's safety and health.
Many fans, however, have voiced disappointment with Adam's response to the incident, with some believing he was looking down on the overly excited fan.
Fans React To Adam Levine’s Viral Video
In the TikTok video by user Luis Peñaloza, which has been viewed millions of times, a woman can be seen clutching Adam Levine's arm and hugging him before being led away by security. The Maroon 5 frontman has a stunned expression on his face as he shakes off the encounter — then walks away, mouthing an expletive.
Fans were split on social media on his reaction, with some saying he needed to "lower" himself, while others praised the musician, pointing out that celebrities are allowed to have boundaries. Not everyone felt that way, though.
One person tweeted that Adam should cancel his shows if he is going to treat the fans that make him as if they are “diseases,” while another scolded him, “You need to lay off the attitude and find what is humble.”
A TikTok user also commented on the viral video, “I get it, but he doesn’t have to act disgusted by her. Like those are his fans that keep him relevant. Still a huge fan tho,” and another remarked, “He acted like a child.”
While many blasted the singer, who has previously created controversy among music fans for uncomfortable comments, for his creeped-out reaction, some fans came to his defense on social media after the incident.
One tweeted, “Adam Levine wasn’t being an (expletive), and he doesn’t need to ‘humble himself.’ His reaction was totally normal and valid for someone who was nonconsensually touched by a stranger that broke both the venue rules and personal boundaries during a set. Consent matter[s] in ALL situation[s].”
Another fan commented on TikTok, “She grabbed him. He was visibly uncomfortable. He’s HUMAN, personal space is a basic right. You can’t tell me you wouldn’t feel ‘icky’ if someone grabbed you without your permission. Expecting celebrities to be above others is unfair and unnecessary.”
Adam Levine’s Response To His Fans
The ‘Sunday Morning’ singer, who recently got his neck tattooed, took to social media to address the incident and explain his reaction to a fan who jumped on stage during his performance. He stated that his irritated reaction was due to him being caught off guard by the action.
Adam Levine said via Instagram Stories, “I have always been someone that loves, respects, worships our fans. Without our fans, we don’t have a job. I say that all the time to our fans.”
He continued, “To think that anyone would believe that I thought that our fans were beneath us or less than us makes my stomach turn. It’s just not who I am, it’s not who I’ve ever been. So I just need you guys to know, I was really startled and sometimes when you’re startled, you have to shake it off and move on because I’m doing my job up there.”
Adam then explained, “It’s what I pride myself on. So I need to let you guys know what my heart is, and my heart is that connection that exists between the band performing onstage and the fans. I hope we can all understand that.”
Do his fans really understand that? It appears that many still support him, with some defending his reaction as his personal space was violated during the incident. But many disagreed with him and may turn away from his music and live performances.