Noughties popstar Example has sparked significant criticism and a debate about accessibility at live events after he was filmed berating seated audience members, including a fan who is pregnant and disabled, during a recent performance.
Confrontation at The O2 Arena
The incident occurred at London's O2 Arena, where Elliot John Gleave, the 43-year-old artist known as Example, was performing as a warm-up act for boyband JLS on their 'The Club Is Alive: 2025 Hits Tour'. In a video that has been viewed tens of thousands of times on TikTok, the singer can be heard addressing the audience from the stage.
"What are you doing? You look stupid," he said, before demanding people stand up. The clip was posted by a concertgoer using the TikTok handle @kxrstyyx, who revealed the context behind her remaining seated.
"Getting called out by @Example was not on my 25 bingo card… 'get out your seat' 'what you doing' 'you look stupid' sir am 27wks preggers and disabled," she wrote in the post's caption on December 1, 2025.
Fan Backlash and Wider Tour Reports
The online reaction was swift and supportive of the fan. Many criticised the performer's lack of awareness, while others shared similar experiences from other dates on the tour, suggesting this was not an isolated outburst.
"In notts the whole time he was complaining about people being sat down," commented one user. Another added, "He was like this in Cardiff ? he was fuming as everyone sitting down."
Followers with their own accessibility needs expressed solidarity. "No because as someone who has chronic pain i was crying for you when this happened," wrote one. Another user, a wheelchair user, remarked, "me and my bf were laughing because I'm a wheelchair user and he was like 'yeah get up and dance babe'."
Walking Aid Shown and JLS Contrast
The situation escalated further when the fan revealed she attempted to show Example her walking aid when a camera was on her. She stated that his response was to again say she looked stupid.
In a contrasting note, the concertgoer told The Sun that after the show, she met the headline act, JLS, who were "absolutely lovely." She mentioned they complimented her for painting her walking aid in the band's colours.
Metro.co.uk has contacted representatives for Example seeking comment on the incident.
The event has ignited a crucial conversation about inclusivity at major concerts, reminding performers and venues that not all disabilities are visible and that audience members may have valid medical reasons for needing to remain seated.
