Dev Hynes and Samantha Urbani assaulted by security at Lollapalooza

Hynes had worn a t-shirt featuring the names of victims of police brutality during his set, proceeding to give a speech on racism. He claims that he was later “jumped” by guards backstage, although it is not yet known whether his earlier activism was in any way linked to the attack.

​Taking to Twitter following the incident, Hynes wrote:

Samantha and I just got assaulted by the security. We are about to press charges

— 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

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

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

Hynes’ girlfriend, Friends singer Samantha Urbani was also targeted in the assault. She posted the following on Twitter:

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

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

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

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

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

The festival have released the following statement on the matter:

“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.”