Shockwaves reverberate through the music industry as the talented Bebe Rexha falls victim to a disturbing incident of assault during her New York performance.
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, the vibrant stage of Pier 17 in New York City transformed into a scene of chaos and disbelief as Bebe Rexha, the acclaimed 33-year-old singer behind the infectious hit “I’m Good (Blue),” was abruptly struck in the face by a hurtling cellphone. The harrowing incident took place on Sunday (18 June) as Rexha neared the end of her captivating set.
Following diligent investigative efforts, The Independent has uncovered the identity of the alleged perpetrator responsible for this abhorrent act. Nicolas Malvagna, a 27-year-old resident of New Jersey, has been arrested and charged in connection with the cellphone attack that left Rexha in need of medical attention, having received stitches above her left eye.
The details that emerged from Malvagna’s arraignment shed light on his disturbing motive. According to the complaint, he callously confessed to a New York police officer at the scene, stating, “I was trying to see if I could hit her with the phone at the end of the show because it would be funny.” Such recklessness and disregard for an artist’s well-being underscores the urgent need to address the issue of concert safety and ensure the protection of performers.
Absolutely great show ruined by a fan throwing their phone at @BebeRexha hopefully she is ok after that pic.twitter.com/4eBScgurv5
— Alex Chavez (@captiv_8_) June 19, 2023
Malvagna now faces a litany of charges related to the incident, including two counts of assault, one count of aggravated harassment, one count of attempted assault, and one count of harassment. The gravity of these charges reflects the severity of the offense committed against Rexha, whose presence on the stage should have been a cause for celebration, not an invitation for harm.
Sorry for the delay. Here is the full quality video of the guy that threw the phone at Bebe Rexha being removed. pic.twitter.com/7bkF1sFBYY
— BOSCH’S W🌎RLD (@IAmTheB0SCHMAN) June 19, 2023
In a curious twist, The Daily Mail has reported that Malvagna is employed at a luxury dog kennel, shedding an unsettling light on the incongruity between his professional and personal conduct. While the motive behind his abhorrent actions remains enigmatic, the music community and concerned citizens demand answers and justice in the face of this senseless assault.
Amidst the shock and collective outpouring of support for Rexha, a fan-filmed video capturing the moment of impact has circulated widely across social media platforms. In the footage, Rexha can be seen bravely advancing toward the front of the stage when an airborne phone strikes her with force, causing her to stumble and collapse. The distressing video serves as an undeniable testament to the unwarranted violence that unfolded that fateful evening.
Bebe Rexha’s mother reveals that she had to get three stitches after someone in the audience threw a phone at her head during her concert. pic.twitter.com/6QjnlaIM5d
— Pop Base (@PopBase) June 19, 2023
Expressions of solidarity and outrage have poured in from concertgoers and fans worldwide, who have taken to social media to denounce this deplorable act and stand in unwavering support of the injured artist. A concerned attendee shared a gut-wrenching video of Rexha being swiftly escorted from the venue by medical professionals, accompanied by the anguished words, “This is Bebe Rexha being rushed out of the concert venue here in NYC after someone threw a f***ing phone and hit her face as she was leaving the stage.” The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced security measures within live performance spaces.
As the legal process unfolds, the music industry remains united in its solidarity with Bebe Rexha, offering heartfelt wishes for her swift recovery. This incident casts a somber shadow over the realm of live performances, prompting necessary discussions about the safety and protection of artists. In the pursuit of justice, it is imperative that such acts of violence be unequivocally condemned, ensuring a future where artists can freely express their craft without fear of harm.
