Unacceptable Groping Incident at Sweat Fest
When a community-focused performance turns into a scene of violation, the fallout can be immediate and profound. That is the reality facing Vancouver-based group Five Alarm Funk (FAF) following an incident that occurred during their Sweat Fest event at the Hollywood Theatre.
The band recently issued a statement addressing a disturbing event that unfolded during their show on Saturday, October 3rd. They confirmed that during the second set, a man groped multiple women in the audience before leaving, an act that left attendees shaken and violated.
In their statement, Five Alarm Funk expressed deep regret, unequivocally stating that the behavior witnessed was unacceptable and something they could not tolerate at any of their performances. The band emphasized that their goal has always been to build an environment where fans feel safe and can simply be themselves.
“For over 20 years, we’ve worked to build an audience that feels like a community, a place where everyone can feel safe and be themselves,” the group noted. They made it clear that physical contact without consent has no place within the safe space they strive to create.
To ensure the well-being of the community, the band immediately moved to take decisive action. They have been working closely with the venue and one of the victims to identify the perpetrator, with the goal of ensuring he is permanently banned from all future FAF shows.
Beyond the internal efforts, Five Alarm Funk extended a crucial message to all concertgoers. They urged attendees to remain vigilant and reminded everyone that safety is a shared responsibility. They encouraged anyone who feels unsafe to immediately alert security should they witness or experience misconduct.
This response underscores a vital truth: fostering a supportive community requires not just great music, but an unwavering commitment to protecting every person who shares that space.
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