Dispute over fan in wheelchair's stage proximity causes security guard to resign near Jelly Roll concert
In an unexpected turn of events, Tony Demaree, a security guard at the Jelly Roll concert held at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot on July 20, 2023, made headlines when he quit his job during the show. The concert, which had a sold-out crowd of approximately 18,000 fans, was marked by Demaree's act of solidarity for a wheelchair-bound concertgoer[1].
Demaree's actions began when he noticed a fan in a motorized wheelchair struggling to see the stage. He moved the fan into a clear area of the pit, ensuring there was still open space for first responders and security to move in front of the stage in case of emergencies[2]. However, his boss accused him of not doing his job and being incompetent, leading to a confrontation that resulted in Demaree quitting on the spot, an event captured on TikTok[3].
State fair general manager Craig Rudland stated that they are required to have barriers around the stage at the artist's request. He also mentioned that there is reserved accessible seating in the grandstand, but he was unsure why the concertgoer was not in his designated spot[4]. Rudland added that a spectator being between the barrier and the stage goes against protocol, as Demaree's job was to keep the area in front of the stage clear and clean for security personnel[4].
However, Demaree explained that he was not debriefed on the reserved seating and was just trying to do the right thing. His actions, which went viral after being recorded and shared on social media platforms, have sparked discussions about wheelchair access at concerts[5].
Following the incident, Jelly Roll's wife took to social media to identify Demaree and thank him for his actions[6]. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity and accessibility at public events, and the role that individuals can play in ensuring everyone has a fair and enjoyable experience.
[1] - https://www.inforum.com/entertainment/music/jelly-roll-concert-security-guard-quits-during-minot-state-fair-performance-over-dispute-about-wheelchair-bound-concertgoer-5355513 [2] - https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/07/22/security-guard-quits-jelly-roll-concert-minot-state-fair-over-wheelchair-bound-concertgoer/ [3] - https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/security-guard-quits-during-jelly-roll-concert-over-dispute-about-wheelchair-bound-concertgoer/ [4] - https://www.wday.com/entertainment/music/security-guard-quits-jelly-roll-concert-minot-state-fair-over-dispute-about-wheelchair-bound-concertgoer/5355513/ [5] - https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/security-guard-quits-during-jelly-roll-concert-minot-state-fair-over-dispute-about-wheelchair-bound-concertgoer/ [6] - https://www.tiktok.com/@jellyroll/video/7098680463259775303?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7098680463259775303&share_item_id=6983965991233834694&referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F@jellyroll%2Fvideo%2F7098680463259775303%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7098680463259775303%26share_item_id%3D6983965991233834694%26referer_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.tiktok.com%252F@jellyroll%252Fvideo%252F7098680463259775303%26is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7098680463259775303&share_item_id=6983965991233834694&referer_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F@jellyroll%2Fvideo%2F7098680463259775303%3Fis_from_webapp%3D1%26sender_device%3Dpc%26web_id%3D7098680463259775303%26share_item_id%3D6983965991233834694%26referer_url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.tiktok.com%252F@jellyroll%252Fvideo%252F7098680463259775303%26is_copy_url=1
Despite his duties as a security guard, Tony Demaree prioritized his empathy during the Jelly Roll concert at the North Dakota State Fair by moving a wheelchair-bound concertgoer to a clear area of the pit, thus demonstrating a strong sense of social justice and inclusivity. This act of kindness, witnessed and celebrated by thousands, sparked public discussions about wheelchair access at concerts and underscored the importance of individual responsibility in promoting accessibility for all. Moreover, Demaree's courage in advocating for a fellow concertgoer extended beyond basketball courts and football fields, demonstrating that acts of compassion are not confined to sports arenas but can transcend all arenas of life.
