Avril Lavigne confronted a shirtless environmental protester onstage at the Canadian counterpart of the Brits, the Juno Awards.
At the beginning of Monday’s ceremony, when the singer presented a performance, a woman ran onto the stage behind her.
“Save the Green Belt” was written on her back, perhaps in reference to a disputed Ontario government housing development proposal.
Lavigne attempted to complete her address before addressing the woman.
She said,
“Get the [expletive] off!” and swiped at her breast, according to CBC News in Canada. The security agent then led the woman off stage.
The pop-rock performer mentioned the intruder in her award speech.
“Nobody attempts anything at this moment. I’ll [mess up a woman] “Lavigne cracked a joke when accepting the TikTok Juno fan choice award.
The ceremony’s host, Shang-Chi actor Simu Liu, lauded Ontario native Avril Lavigne for “handling that topless woman like a champion.”
The Ontario government approved new laws in November to remove 7,400 acres of protected Greenbelt property and make it available for construction, with a goal of constructing 50,000 new homes by 2025.
The province’s auditor general and integrity commissioner are examining the action, which has been criticized by environmental groups.
In addition, Toronto’s The Weeknd became the second most-honored artist in the history of the Junos.
Dawn FM, a concept album set in purgatory, earned the artist his 22nd Juno award, surpassing Celine Dion and Bryan Adams in the process.
Anne Murray is the only country-pop artist with more, with 24.
The performer, whose true name is Abel Tesfaye, was reportedly booed by the audience at the Rogers Place venue in Edmonton, Alberta, due to his absence.
Around the same time, Nickelback, whose lead singer Chad Kroeger was previously married to Avril Lavigne, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
“Twenty-seven years of blood, sweat, and tears began 300 kilometers southeast of here in a small town named Hanna,” Kroeger remarked, referring to the band’s hometown.
“Most of the time, we still have no idea what we’re doing,” he added. “But everything we accomplished ultimately led us to this present moment. Yet we wouldn’t be here without a great deal of assistance.”
They then concluded the performance by performing their popular songs Rockstar, How You Remind Me, and Animals.
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