Machine Gun Kelly has issued an apology after displaying what his describes as a "primal reaction" when confronted with an overzealous fan.
At the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Summit event on Tuesday, MGK - real name Colson Baker - leaped into action when a fan rushed the stage.
The summit, which spotlights young individuals making significant impacts in their industries, took an unexpected turn when a fan confronted the musician mid-interview. As Kelly engaged in a conversation with Forbes interviewer Kristin Stoller, the atmosphere took a tense shift when a man unexpectedly approached him.
In footage circulating online, Kelly is seen abruptly rising, reacting instinctively to the unexpected visitor.
"My man, get the f*** away from me," the musician can be heard saying, visibly preparing for a confrontation. But before the situation could escalate further, the rapper and actor's microphone was cut, and security swiftly intervened, ensuring the intruder's rapid exit.
Upon returning to his seat, MGK reflected on the confrontation, offering a sincere apology for his reaction saying: "I’m sorry, I try to live the dichotomy more on this side than the other guy. I left that guy in the past. I’m really sorry," expressing regret for the brief glimpse into his more aggressive past self.
The rapper further stated: "But here is what I would like to say, I do apologize for my primal reaction."
The crowd at the summit, recognizing the genuineness of Kelly's remorse, broke into cheers and applause. Stoller also chimed in, lauding the musician for handling the sudden and unexpected altercation "amazingly".
But MGK didn’t just stop at an apology. He transformed the moment into an opportunity for dialogue, offering insights about the appropriate times for fans to approach celebrities.
"My advice for people who have an idea, that want to present it to other creators or people they believe can be a vessel for their idea is pick a good time and a place, this was a bad time and a place," Kelly advised.
He then humorously added: "When I'm eating food and noodles are in my mouth, that is a bad time. When I’m with my daughter at a volleyball game or I am being a father, that is a bad time." Kelly touched upon the boundaries often blurred in celebrity-fan interactions, emphasizing moments that are personal and not owed to the public.
Social media was abuzz after the incident, with many defending Kelly's instinctive response. Users highlighted his mature attitude in addressing and reflecting upon the confrontation, turning a potentially negative moment into a teachable one.
"The dude coming on stage causing the few min convo about the right and wrong time & place and the fact he shared he has empathy and about waiting for the right moment probably needed to be had. You handled it with grace my guy," one fan wrote.
A second added: "I’m sorry this happened but you’re so sweet for empathizing with him and all living beings."
Let's all be thankful that this altercation ended as abruptly as it did, but it's great to see such restraint from MGK when faced with the unknown.
