'Too far': Luke Bryan reacts to being hit by object at North Dakota State Fair

Indianapolis Star

2 days ago

Luke Bryan says the person who threw an object at him during a concert in North Dakota went "too far" and if he'd seen who had done it, he would have taken action.
"I mean, if I saw him throw it, I could have gone right to him," Bryan told Taste of Country, a major publication that mainly covers country music. "I probably would have jumped right off in there."
The country music star, 49, was singing "Country Girl" during the state fair in Minot on July 26 when he was hit in the face by a small, round object.
Footage recorded by a fan shows Bryan stagger as he is momentarily shocked after being hit by the item, assumed to be a small ball. However, he maintained composure, only taking a brief moment to gather himself before finishing the song.
"It's the last song of the night. It was a big ole fun party, and I think one person just took it too far," Bryan said. "At that point, if I'd even stopped it and pointed somebody out, it kills the vibe of the show.
Bryan did not address the incident on stage or on social media. USA TODAY has reached out to Bryan's representatives for more information on the incident, but has not heard back. It is also not known if the singer sustained injuries.
The singer noted such incidents are becoming common and "every other entertainer out there is getting stuff" thrown at them. Cardi B, Lady Gaga, Drake, Lil Nas X, Zach Bryan, and Pink are among the long list of artists who've had objects thrown at them during performances.
"You hope that you can see who did it," Bryan remarked, adding that when audiences throw things at performers, they are being selfish and are ruining the show for everyone else.
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The Ward County Sheriff's Department, meanwhile, in a media release on July 29, said while it was "aware" of the videos and social media posts "concerning an item thrown at Luke Bryan near the end of his concert," there is "currently no active criminal investigation for this incident."
"We currently do not have a complaint filed by Luke Bryan or any authorized representative and there is currently no information on a possible subject that may have thrown the item," the news release said, adding the item thrown at Bryan appears to be a ball, "possibly being a foam type stress ball."
The North Dakota State Fair management, meanwhile, did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for more information on the incident.
The state fair, held annually in Minot, is "a cherished tradition" and was celebrating its 60th year. The fair, held July 18-26, included a range of activities, exhibits, and entertainment, with this year's edition welcoming more than 350,000 attendees, the most ever in the fair's history, according to the Minot Daily News.