Exclusive: Otep Assaulted on Stage in Illinois

Following the media fallout from the incident this past March in which Otep Shamaya was groped by a member of the band Terror Universal, MetalSucks has become something of an outlet for the singer. She appeared on our podcast shortly thereafter and gave one of the most candid, honest and intriguing interviews we’ve run to date, and now her people have reached out to us again with an exclusive statement regarding another assault incident at Otep’s June 7th show at Take 20 in Belvedere, Illinois.

Is this union between snarky metal bloggers and a musician they’ve shown a public distaste for over the years most unlikely? For sure, but we’ve always dug Otep Shamaya as a person, and we’re all about it!

So, here’s the statement from Otep, followed by a description of the events:

“I’d like to thank everyone, all the fans and supporters, the venue and their security, who stood by me during the unfortunate altercation after our performance. Our shows do get wild and riotous but this was different. I apologize for all the blood but I was being physically threatened and had to defend myself. Thanks again for your unending support.”

According to staff and audience members, a man, described as very large and belligerently drunk, was attempting to instigate fights before the show, including harassing OTEP’s muscle-man guitar player, Aristotle. Later, this same man was seen throwing a young woman into the Monitor Board which resulted in a disruption of sound during OTEP’s set. After the show, as Otep was on stage inviting people to the meet & greet at the merch table, the same man screamed out that she was a “CUNT” and charged the stage. Fearing for her safety, she instinctively struck his head with her microphone. He screamed to hit him again and lunged at her and she struck him a second time. Security then removed him from the venue while he continued to scream insults at Otep.

Known for her advocacy against bullying and her stance regarding violence against women, Otep continues to defend equality and safety for all people, including her own.

For anyone questioning why this incident is so outrageous, we’ve got one word for you: Dimebag. Rushing the stage is just NOT cool under any circumstances. We’re glad Otep is alright and the only person harmed in the incident is the asshole who’s hopefully shitting into a bucket in a jail cell as we write this.