Otep frontwoman Otep Shamaya is not somebody to fuck with. Following an assault incident earlier this year with the former frontman of Terror Universal, Otep again found herself about to assaulted at a show last night and she was not about to stand for it.
Speaking to MetalSucks, Otep recalled the incident whichoccured on June 7th show at Take 20 in Belvedere, Illinois:
“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.
The lesson here: don't even try to fuck with Otep, because she will get you bloodied and ejected.
You might say that perhaps Otep acted a bit too suddenly and brash, but it's hard to say what you would do if put in the same situation. After Dimebag Darrell's death on stage, I can see any musician fearing for the worst when a fan storms the stage.
No word on if any charges are being pressed.
