Machine Gun Kelly responded instinctively when a fan abruptly approached the stage during the Forbes Under 30 Summit. In a video capturing the moment on Tuesday, October 10, Kelly, whose real name is Colson Baker, can be seen quickly rising and warning the individual, saying, "My man, please back off."
"Hey, what are you up to? What do you think you're doing?" Kelly, 33, confronted the fan, standing mere inches away. "This is not a good situation. Please don't push me to take action."
Security promptly intervened and swiftly escorted the fan off the stage. The livestream temporarily paused before resuming with sound, and Kelly proceeded to express remorse with an apology.
"I regretfully admit that I strive to embody the contrast more frequently on my side rather than emulating the behavior of others. I have distanced myself from that negative individual in the past, and I genuinely apologize for any discomfort caused by my outburst," expressed the singer known as the "Emo Girl," addressing the audience and alluding to his previous display of aggression. "I do apologize for my instinctive reaction."
The crowd responded with applause, and the interviewer (Forbes deputy editor Kristin Stoller) commended Kelly on his exceptional handling of the situation, before continuing their conversation. Kelly, on his part, seized the opportunity to transform the incident into a valuable lesson.
When presenting an idea to other creators or individuals who could potentially help bring it to life, it is crucial to carefully choose the appropriate time and setting. Kelly, implying the incident with a fan, emphasized the significance of selecting a favourable time and place for such interactions. He further provided instances of inappropriate times, such as when he is dining at a public restaurant or fulfilling his role as a father to his 14-year-old daughter, Casie Baker.
“A lot of that is misconstrued; these are moments that are deserved, yet a skilled entrepreneur comprehends the importance of timing,” he elaborated. “I firmly believe that practicing patience is vital in this regard.”
Machine Gun Kelly addressed a crowd at the 2023 Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit in Cleveland, Ohio. The event spanned from Sunday, October 8, to Wednesday, October 11. Kelly was invited to share his insights on navigating dual roles as a musician and entrepreneur. This invitation came following the successful launch of his 27 Coffee Club establishment in Cleveland in 2020.
“It goes beyond just coffee,” he elaborated. “Being a musician and an artist, my aim was to create a brand specifically tailored for the creative community.”
In addition, Kelly revealed his upcoming business endeavor: the establishment of his own record label. He further added that his strategy for achieving success has been centered around identifying the opportune moment to present himself and his concepts.
"I have no intention of engaging in such an act," he addressed the audience, alluding once more to the incident of storming the stage. "To be honest, my focus is slightly disrupted by it...I understand and sympathize with him. However, there is a proper time and setting for everything."
Furthermore, he expressed, "I never want to discourage someone's aspirations...While he was being forcefully removed, I locked eyes with him and realized, 'Ah, you're a decent individual.'"