Glennis Grace abruptly ended her performance at the Hierezitting Mestreech event in Maastricht on Sunday after a male audience member engaged in unwanted physical contact, multiple Dutch news outlets reported.
The incident occurred after Grace had performed two songs, according to De Nieuwe Ster Maastricht. She immediately halted the show and demanded the man be removed from the venue. “Or this man goes out or I leave,” Grace reportedly stated.
Ron Weyzen, chairman of the Hierezitting Mestreech organization, confirmed the incident to NOS and RTL.nl, stating that the man was promptly escorted from the Rebelle event location. Weyzen added that the organization offered its apologies to Grace following the event.
“Someone thought it was okay to touch an artist. That can’t happen,” Weyzen told RTL.nl. He emphasized the organization’s firm stance against such behavior, stating, “This represents not something that should happen at our event, and people certainly shouldn’t do this to women. Stay away from them.”
Grace, who has performed at the Hierezitting Mestreech event on numerous occasions, was visibly upset by the incident and chose not to resume her performance. Weyzen expressed full understanding of her decision, stating, “We explained to Glennis that she is not to blame and that she is always welcome with us.”
The Hierezitting Mestreech, a yearly event now in its 24th year, was attended by approximately 600 guests, including representatives from various companies and their invitees, according to NOS. Weyzen noted that the organization consistently stresses the importance of respectful behavior towards performers.
Following the incident, Grace posted a message on Instagram with the title “For all the men who don’t get it,” De Nieuwe Ster Maastricht reported, signaling her reaction to the event.
The organization has stated it will be speaking with those involved, but has not yet indicated whether the individual responsible will be welcome at future Hierezitting Mestreech events. The management of Glennis Grace was not immediately available for comment, RTL.nl reported.
