Avril Lavigne confronted an environmental protester onstage at the 2023 Juno Awards after the topless protester interrupted the singer in the middle of Monday’s broadcast.
The “Complicated” hitmaker was introducing artist AP Dhillon when an audience member unexpectedly came on stage and began strutting up and down the catwalk at Rogers Place Stadium in Edmonton, Canada. At first, Lavigne ignored the protester, continuing to read the teleprompter as if nothing had happened.
But he eventually turned to shoo the protester away before a security guard intervened and removed the person from the scene. During the altercation, cameras repeatedly panned to Lavigne in an attempt to keep the protester out of the frame.
“Fuck you,” Lavigne said as she approached the protester. “Take off the f-, b-.” The Entire Juno Awards Stream Is Now Available To Stream in Youtube.
The protester wore pink pants, a pink scarf and no shirt. Written across the protester’s back, arms, and chest were various statements such as “Stop cutting down old trees now,” “Save the green belt,” and “land again.”
The protester appeared to be opposing the Ontario government’s recent decision to revoke environmental protections for approximately 7,400 acres of land along Canada’s green belt in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. According to the CBCThe government’s plan to develop Greenbelt land has been widely criticized by citizens, environmental organizations, agricultural groups, and indigenous communities.
After interacting with the protester onstage, Lavigne alluded to the incident while accepting the fans’ choice award later on the show.
“Now, nobody try anything this time,” Lavigne teased before launching into her speech. “I’m going to fuck.”
“I’ve seen the industry change so much, the music change, the business change, the technology change,” he continued. “Trends come and go. Artists come and go. But what has been most consistent for me is my fan base over the last 20 years. Thank you so much guys. I love you.”
While congratulating Lavigne on her win, Marvel actor and Junos host Simu Liu praised the “Girlfriend” artist for “handling that topless lady like a champ.” He also made a classic “what did I miss?” joke. shortly after the scene unfolded.
