A shooting took place during Diplo’s performance with Major Lazer during the Latinha Mix Carnival in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Just as the group took the stage, the sound of gunshots firing caused the show to end abruptly. This incident took place on Tuesday, in lieu of Brazil’s famed carnival celebrations. A woman was shot in the leg and a man was hit in the stomach just before Diplo began his set. Diplo was rushed to safety by security as soon as the shots were heard. As a result, the street party parade was canceled following the incident.
On Wednesday, the 41-year old DJ and producer, Thomas Wesley Pentz (Diplo) shared a statement on his Instagram page. In this statement, he offers his sympathy and support for Brazil, writing in both Portuguese and English. He writes in Portuguese, “I am very sad to know that people were hurt in a moment of joy and happiness like a Carnival.” Following a day after the incident, Diplo continues his tour in Brazil, as seen through his stories on Instagram.
I am very sad to know that people were hurt in a moment of joy and happiness like Carnival. I have been coming to Brazil for 20 years and it was the first time that I witnessed any type of violence. But we must not let this end the freedom brought by the spirit of Carnival.
This is a tough country.. It’s bullet proof, maybe even invincible.. Its definitely blessed.. We were actually ready 15 minutes later to get on and do a show for everyone in Sao Paulo just as we made sure the medical teams were good.. But that’s when thunder and lightning started to pour down as if Brazil started to cry. I will see you next year Sao Paulo because you know we love you
From Diplo’s Instagram post
According to The Sun, the shooting derived from an attempted theft that resulted in the injured man and woman. Briefing details to UOL, a photographer witnessed Diplo and his crew ducking as dozens of security rushed to protect them. Witnesses report the chaos ensued when a man attempted to snatch a chain off of another man’s neck. As a result, a woman was caught in the crossfire. Currently, there are no updates to the status of their health.
