Ricky Martin’s concert in Montenegro turned chaotic Thursday night after someone reportedly discharged tear gas toward the stage, forcing the singer and his team to abruptly stop the show.
The 54-year-old pop star was performing on May 21 as he kicked off the European leg of his Ricky Martin Live tour when the frightening incident unfolded.
According to a statement from Martin’s rep, Róndine Alcalá, an individual released tear gas toward the stage during the concert, causing panic in the crowd as audience members moved away from the area and received help.
“During Ricky Martin’s concert tonight in Montenegro — where the artist was kicking off the European leg of his Ricky Martin Live tour — an individual discharged tear gas toward the stage, causing an abrupt interruption of the show as audience members moved away from the area and received assistance,” the statement said.
As a safety precaution, Martin and his entire team immediately left the stage while security and local authorities worked to get the situation under control.
“As a precautionary measure, Ricky Martin and his entire team immediately exited the stage while security personnel and local authorities worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of those in attendance,” the statement continued.
The scare could have ended the night right there. Members of Martin’s team reportedly advised him not to continue the performance.
But once authorities confirmed the situation was under control and fans could safely return, Martin made the decision to go back onstage.
According to the statement, the singer resumed the concert because he wanted to fulfill his commitment to the fans who had come to see him perform.
“Although members of the artist’s team advised against continuing the performance, once authorities confirmed that the situation was under control and that attendees could safely return, Ricky Martin made the decision to resume the concert in order to fulfill his commitment to his fans,” the statement said.
The terrifying disruption did not derail the rest of his tour plans. Martin is expected to continue his Ricky Martin Live tour with upcoming dates across Europe and other international stops as scheduled.
Thankfully, Martin appears to be OK after the incident, and the concert was able to continue once the danger had passed.