The current uptick in concert-goers hurling objects at musicians is one of the more mind-blowingly foolish phenomena in a time full of them. Bebe Rexha nearly lost consciousness when a fan threw a cellphone at her head in New York, Harry Styles was struck by an unknown projectile in Vienna, and Latto yelled, “Want your ass beat?” in response to a similar projectile in Germany just recently.
Cardi B demonstrated on Saturday in Las Vegas that she is not someone to be taken lightly: The rapper was performing at Drai’s Beachclub in Las Vegas when a member of the crowd tossed a drink at her as she sang her breakthrough single, “Bodak Yellow.” Cardi, who is reportedly left-handed, hurled her microphone back at the offending “fan” in retaliation a split second later.
In the footage, the offender is seen being led away by security; after throwing some undoubtedly vulgar insults at the perpetrator, Cardi appears to have left the stage.
This is not a new phenomenon; in the 1970s, audience members frequently set off firecrackers and M-80s during performances; one of these seriously injured Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page’s right hand; and in 2004, a fan threw a stick of lollipop at David Bowie; the incident resulted in the normally cool performer’s colorful and outraged response.
However, it appears that people are more interested in drawing attention to themselves these days, though it’s unclear for what reason.
For example, Nicolas Malvagna, a 27-year-old grown man who threw his phone at Bebe Rexha, apparently thought “it would be funny,” according to a criminal complaint that followed his arrest on misdemeanor charges of harassment and assault — which is nowhere near enough punishment for someone who does something that dangerously stupid.