Harry Styles has gained the support of hundreds of outraged fans and a leading sexual assault charity after a fan attempted to grope his crotch on stage.
The ex 1D star was performing in LA for We Can Survive - a caner benefit gig- when an audience member lunged forwards to grab him, forcing him to put his hands up and back away.
Now, the charity Rape Crisis have come forward to stress the severity of the encounter, suggesting the fan was guilty of committing a “serious crime”.
A spokeswoman told The Sun's Bizarre column: "Sexual violence or harassment in any form is unacceptable.
"Touching someone in a sexual way without their consent is sexual assault and that's a serious crime that can have very negative impacts on those who experience it.
"Consent is when someone agrees by choice and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice. "Consent can never be assumed on the basis of what someone is wearing, how they behave, or, indeed, whether they happen to be famous."
Harry’s fans have also been rallying in support of the star with the hashtag #RespectHarry.
One user tweeted: “If y'all were really fans of @Harry_Styles y'all would treat him with kindness, not grope him on stage. #RespectHarry”, while another added: “I heard what happened to @Harry_Styles at 1 of his concerts & it’s shocking, disgusting & disrespectful. He deserves respect. #RespectHarry.”
Another Twitter user wrote: “I'm not a Harry Styles fan, but I seriously hope the "fan" is ashamed and punished to the fullest order. This is disgusting.”
Harry took to the stage alongside fellow celebs like Pink, Sam Smith, Lorde, Niall Horan and Kesha.
He’s yet to speak out about the incident.
**NOW READ: **Is Gemma Collins set to quit TOWIE to pursue a music career?
Bear finally addresses rumors he cheated on Charlotte Crosby