Singer Kicks Fan Who Tried to Grope Her During Performance

A Ugandan singer was filmed kicking someone in the crowd who tried to grope her as she was performing on stage.

Veronica Luggya, known by her stage name Vinka, was performing at different venues in South Sudan last weekend, according to Ugandan entertainment news site MBU. The performances signaled the singer's return to the stage after a one-year break, as she gave birth to her first child in January.

The incident in question reportedly occurred during a concert in South Sudan's capital Juba.

In a viral video taken at the performance, the arm of a person in the audience can be seen reaching out and stroking Vinka's crotch area as she stands singing on stage. Vinka's first reaction is to try to grab the hand, before interrupting her performance and attempting to kick the person twice. It is unclear whether her kicks land, as the people in the audience cannot be seen in the video.

One man standing on the stage—presumably a security guard—then ushers Vinka away, as she immediately resumed her singing. Another man on the stage can be seen walking towards the audience.

Newsweek has contacted Vinka for comment.

While the singer has not commented on the incident, she has retweeted a handful of supportive messages.

"Vinka's video is so empowering," one Twitter user wrote. "I have always dreamt of kicking and squashing men who touch me without my permission in public."

"Women do not need to be polite to someone who is making them uncomfortable," tweeted another.

One fan posted: "@IamVinka kicking out sexual harassment good on her."

"Thank you @IamVinka for NOT letting that guy get comfortable with disrespecting you," another said. "We can't let people get comfortable with disrespecting us."

This does not seem to be Vinka's first time being touched without her consent while performing. In a March 2020 video on her TikTok account, the singer filmed herself below text that reads "When a male fan gives me money on stage and thinks he can touch me," as she mouthed to someone: "Chill out, I don't roll like that."

Ugandan women expressed outpouring support for the singer online, with many expressing admiration for the artist's reaction to the ordeal. Media personality Siima Sabiti said she hoped Vinka's kicks "landed" and called her a "badass professional" for continuing to perform afterwards.

However, a number of social media users claimed Vinka was at fault for being touched inappropriately. Many blamed her outfit—a tight red romper—for attracting unwanted attention. This narrative drew criticism from women, who viewed it as harmful victim-blaming rhetoric.

"Artists can entertain half naked and shouldn't be harassed about it!" tweeted one user. "Thanks Vinka for that double kick!!!"