A London street artist felt the wrath of a passer-by after seeing her cash or card donation sign.
The harpist, who posts on TikTok as @Robyn.hearts.harp, was playing a cover of George Michael’s Careless Whisper when the angry woman approached her on the main street in the Harrow suburb.
In the video created by the harpist, the woman, who can only be heard and not seen, is heard exclaiming: ‘I’m going to report you to Harrow council.’
Attaching subtitles to the video, London-based harpist Robyn altered the title to read: “I’m going to report you to Karen’s council.”
After being accused of illegal panhandling, Robyn continued to play calmly and simply responded with “it’s okay.”
Robyn, a London-based harpist who regularly posts images of herself busking on TikTok, shared a video of the Harrow woman angrily approaching her.
The woman then asked if she had permission to busk, and the harpist confidently responded by saying ‘yes!’
Assuming she was begging, the boomer continued to berate her, saying, “I’ve never seen a panhandler or anyone asking people to put it on their card.”
The harpist patiently assured him that he was not begging and was only playing the instrument with optional payment by card or cash.
Unconvinced and persistent, the complaining woman counterattacked. ‘You have to “tip £2” i.e. beg, don’t you know the difference? I’ll ask Harrow Council if you have permission and then they can arrest you!
Cool as you want: The harpist, who performed George Michael’s Careless Whisper, remained calm in the face of accusations of begging
The harpist’s TikTok fans were quick to defend her, saying her playing contributed to Harrow’s high street vibe.
After confirming twice that she was allowed to play, all Robyn could do in response was laugh before her opponent reluctantly left her alone.
According to Harrow Council, busking is allowed in designated areas as long as musicians have a license to do so, with two-hour slots available that performers must book in advance.
Fines can be issued to performers who do not follow the rules or perform within the permitted areas, which are on St Ann’s Road in Harrow, where Robyn was seen performing.
Robyn’s fans on TikTok quickly came to her defense, with one apologizing for the woman’s rudeness.
One said: “Busking is very difficult and people are impossible.” Very sorry. You play very well.’
Another added: ‘You are very relaxed in your approach to this idiot. Fair play to you, it adds to the atmosphere of the area. He Keep doing what you do!’