Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy Arrested For Incident With Fan Who Called Him A 'N***er'
Published: Thursday - July 3, 2008
Words by Miles Bennett
Booking photo of Travis McCoy (Photo: Maryland Heights Police)
Gym Class Hero frontman Travis McCoy was arrested on assault charged Tuesday (July 1) in Maryland Heights, Missouri, during a stop on Van's Warped Tour.
According to reports, the alternative hip-hop group's lead singer allegedly struck a member of the audience near the front in the head with his microphone after he called McCoy a "f***ing ignorant n***er."
McCoy was charged with third-degree assault, booked, and posted $500 bond Wednesday morning (July 2).
Although it's been confirmed by local police that the incident was racially motivated, Sgt. Joseph Eagan said the victim "and the artist are of the same race."
"There were words exchanged, and the artist took offense to something that was said to him," Eagan said. "The complainant alleged that he was struck, and we're waiting for it to go to the prosecuting attorney."
The Gym Class Heroes' manager, Bob McLynn, released a statement Wednesday afternoon, explaining the situation.
"Somebody in the crowd was taunting Travis with racial slurs. Travis invited him onstage with the intent of calling him out in front of the crowd, with absolutely no intention of a physical altercation," he said. "When he tried to help him onstage, the guy hit Travis in the knee area (which has been in a brace because of a recent sprain), forcing Travis to defend himself. At this point, a scuffle broke out."
"This whole incident is unfortunate," the statement continues. "Travis McCoy and Gym Class Heroes are anything but violent. Their message is about racial unity and having a good time. It's amazing that in 2008, there are still people out there that would say such ignorant things. Travis is deeply upset that this happened, and has expressed his apologies to the band's fans that were at the show, [tour organizer] Kevin Lyman, and the Vans Warped Tour. GCH is putting this behind them and looks forward to seeing everyone on the rest of the tour."
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