The exact details surrounding this incident are unclear, but both Hynes and his girlfriend Samantha Urbani posted a string of tweets about the apparent attack. According to their account, three security guards jumped them, first grabbing Urbani and then throwing Hynes to the ground.
One of the security guards has apparently claimed that Hynes assaulted him, which the singer said was "insanity." He promised to press charges and asked anyone who saw the incident to come forward.
Ironically, Hynes had given a speech that day about racism and police brutality. He was wearing a shirt memorializing victims of attacks (including Trayvon Martin), while Urbani wore a "STOP POLICE BRUTALITY" T-shirt.
Hynes wrote that they were "in pain" following the incident, and that he was "bruised up." They are clearly shaken, but Hynes thanks fans for their support and said that he was "blessed to be alive."
The guards were apparently not Lollapalooza staff, but privately hired security for the stage. The festival issued the following statement about the incident: "Late Friday night, we learned of an incident involving an artist and a security guard on site. Since then, we have been in contact with those involved and the authorities, as we work together to resolve the situation. As always, our top priority is to ensure the safety of everyone at the festival."
Read the tweets below.
They grabbed her I asked what they were doing and they grabbed my neck and threw me to the ground, then two others joined in on me
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
They grabbed her I asked what they were doing and they grabbed my neck and threw me to the ground, then two others joined in on me
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
I'm in pain, what the fuck. The irony after my t shirt and message this morning, we are in shock
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Everyone saw it. We are pressing charges, I can't believe it. I'm so upset. Why is this still happening? I just want to make music
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
I WAS JUMPED BY THREE SECURITY GUARDS AND SAMANTHA WAS TOUCHED BY SECURITY. WE ARE HURT. WE PLAYED YOUR FESTIVAL. @lollapalooza
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
I gave a speech on racism and police brutality and then I am jumped by three security guards and my gf is assaulted. @lollapalooza
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Apparently people are tweeting & writing on @lollapalooza Facebook page and they keep deleting the comments
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Apparently people are tweeting & writing on @lollapalooza Facebook page and they keep deleting the comments
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
If they're doing this to the musicians playing, then how have they been treating all the attendees throughout the day?
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Thanks for the support. We are both very shaken and I am pretty bruised up. But blessed to be alive in this world. Others aren't as lucky. X
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Ps. One of the security guards is claiming that I assaulted him which is insanity. If you saw the incident please get in touch. Thanks.
— Devonté Hynes (@devhynes) August 2, 2014
Insane how nightmare situations can just come in2 action so suddenly. Being assaulted by security &watching them attack Dev- so traumatizing
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Shaking/crying feeling extremely violated &generally unsafe, beyond sad we missed the eminem show we were so psyched 4.
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Terrifying thinking about if Dev was attacked like that & had a physical disability- like a heart problem, or ASTHMA #RIPEricGarner
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
How insanely ironic that I wore a homemade "STOP POLICE BRUTALITY" shirt onstage 2day &begged audience 2take care of eachother &film arrests
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Rly not trying 2be 2self victimizing btw- this has shaken me so deeply bc this shit happens 2 ppl on all levels, constantly- feels endless
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
Thanks 4support guys, rly. We're shaken upset sad etc but ok. Just want 2keep working against violence &abuse of power. Speak up &take care.
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014
STOP POLICE BRUTALITY / abuse of power / systematic oppression / prejudice. Watch cops. Film them.… http://t.co/uqUhxZvk0O
— samantha urbani (@SamandudeBITCH) August 2, 2014