While playing at Brazil’s famous Carnival celebrations, Diplo had is concert cut short when a dispute broke out in the crowd, resulting in gun violence.
Diplo was just about to begin his set when the violence erupted from the crowd, resulting in gunfire. According to witnesses via Consequence Of Sound, “the shootout took place after a man attempted to snatch a chain off of someone’s neck in the audience.”
“The victim pulled out a gun and shot the alleged thief in the stomach and a woman in the thigh.” Witnesses believe that the woman caught in the scuffle may have been associated with the thief, as well.
At the first sound of gunfire, security were quick to diffuse the situation, and make sure that others were okay. As the stage was situated on the top of a truck, security detail rushed to Diplo, attempting to protect him.
According to a witness via UOL, “Someone heard a shot and warned the people who were on top of the truck to duck. When everything calmed down, the security guards removed [Diplo] from the truck.”
Although he was able to continue his performance shortly after the incident, as medical teams finished up their assessments, Diplo was understandably very shaken by what he had just witnessed.
After the performance, the DJ took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the situation he experienced. “I am very sad to know that people were hurt in a moment of joy and happiness like Carnival,” Diplo stated in Brazil’s native tongue.
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“I have been coming to Brazil for 20 years and it was the first time that I witnessed any type of violence. But we must not let that end the freedom brought by the spirit of Carnival.”
“This is a tough country.. It’s bullet proof, maybe even invincible.. It’s definitely blessed..,” he went on to say. “We were actually ready 15 minutes later to get on and do a show for everyone in Sao Paulo just as we made sure the medical teams were good..”
“But that’s when thunder and lightning started to pour down as if Brazil started to cry. I will see you next year Sao Paulo because you know we love you,” closed Diplo with a slew of love hearts.
Although the situation reportedly shook up the crowd, no fatalities occurred, and the show was able to continue shortly after medical teams finished their job.
Check out the Instagram post by Diplo:
