Dutch singer Glennis Grace abruptly ended a performance at the Hierezitting, a men-only event in Maastricht, over the weekend after a member of the audience touched her without consent. The incident, which occurred after just two songs, has sparked a wider conversation about boundary violations and the responsibility of event organizers to protect performers.
According to reports from De Telegraaf and De Limburger, Grace stopped singing and stated plainly, “Either this man leaves the hall, or I leave.” Security escorted the individual, identified as a man from Heerlen, from the venue. This marks the first time in 24 years an artist has cut short a performance at the Hierezitting, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Grace subsequently addressed the incident on Instagram, a statement that resonated widely. The organization behind the Hierezitting has issued an apology to Grace, acknowledging that “what happened here is not possible,” but many are arguing that apologies are insufficient. RTL.nl reports that the incident underscores a larger pattern of boundary violations experienced by women, particularly those in the public eye.
The incident comes amidst ongoing legal challenges for Grace. In February, she was arrested, along with her son and another individual, following a dispute at a supermarket in Amsterdam. ESCXTRA.com details that the arrest stemmed from an altercation after Grace’s son was asked to stop smoking an e-cigarette inside the store. Grace and others allegedly returned to the supermarket, leading to a violent escalation. One employee was reportedly unable to work for over two months following the incident. She is currently facing charges of public violence and abuse, with a court date set for October 26th.
This latest incident has also impacted her work with the group Ladies of Soul, alongside Edsilia Rombley, Candy Dulfer, and Berget Lewis. The group has cancelled their planned concerts for September, citing the “negative publicity surrounding the incident” as making “much-needed promotion” difficult. Grace had reportedly offered to withdraw from the group, but the decision was made collectively to postpone the concerts rather than proceed under the current circumstances.
The cancellation of the Ladies of Soul concerts, as reported by De Nieuwe Ster Maastricht, highlights the broader consequences of Grace’s actions. The group, formed a few years ago, had been eager to return to the stage after pandemic-related disruptions, but the controversy proved insurmountable in the short term.
The situation raises questions about the expectations of fan behavior and the responsibility of event organizers to ensure the safety and well-being of performers. The Hierezitting, being a men-only event, adds another layer to the discussion, prompting scrutiny of the event’s culture and security measures. The incident serves as a stark reminder that “fan love” does not equate to entitlement and that unwanted physical contact is unacceptable.
While Grace’s lawyer has stated confidence that the police investigation will demonstrate she committed no criminal acts regarding the supermarket incident, the recent events in Maastricht underscore the ongoing challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry, and beyond. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about appropriate conduct and the need for greater accountability.
