A look into the rising trend of audience disruptions during live performances

A disturbing trend of audience members throwing objects at performers during concerts has been on the rise. Several artists , including Bebe Rexha, Harry Styles, and Latto, have fallen victim to such incidents, who all faced projectile-related encounters. Cardi B is the latest addition to this list, who proved she is not one to be messed with during her performance at Drai’s Beachclub in Las Vegas on Saturday.

As Cardi B energetically performed her 2017 hit “Bodak Yellow,” an unruly audience member thought it appropriate to toss a drink at the rapper. The incident was caught on video, which later went viral on social media platforms. In the clip, the drink splashes Cardi’s face and soaks her orange swimsuit cover-up, visibly agitating her. Without a moment’s hesitation, Cardi B, who happens to be left-handed, retaliated by fiercely hurling her microphone towards the offending fan.

Security promptly intervened and escorted the person out of the venue. Although Cardi exchanged some undoubtedly colorful words with the perpetrator, the show went on.

While such incidents may seem relatively new, history bears witness to audience members’ disruptive behavior during concerts.

Cardi B was performing in Las Vegas and someone threw a drink at her! Check it out !!! #cardib pic.twitter.com/zCldoWBhes

— Eric Remy (@deejremy) July 30, 2023

In the ’70s, firecrackers and M-80s were common nuisances, with some instances leading to serious injuries to performers, such as Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.

In the case of Cardi B, the motive behind the drink-throwing incident remains unclear, as is the case with several similar occurrences in recent times. It appears that some individuals seek to garner attention, but their intentions often elude understanding.

Cardi B joins the ranks of other artists who have recently faced assaults from audience members. Bebe Rexha was hit with a phone, Ava Max was slapped and scratched during a performance, and Kelsea Ballerini, Pink, and Lil Nas X all encountered unwanted projectiles during their shows.