-
TUCKER, Ga. — An Atlanta singer is accused of slapping a woman from the stage during a concert, an incident captured on video that the woman says left her with two black eyes and that her attorney says will be the basis of a lawsuit.
Shamika Boyd says she was at Lonsdale Performing Arts Theater in Tucker to watch her daughter, DJ Jada Boyd, when Atlanta artist Sky Whatley reached down from the stage and struck her across the head. Video circulating from the show appears to show the blow, which Boyd and witnesses say could be heard over the concert music.
Music Artist Sky Whatley Slaps Woman: Why?
“When he hit me, I was devastated. He had no reason to hit me. I did nothing to him. He was in no harm, no threat,” Boyd said.
Boyd said Sky Whatley then flipped her off and said something along the lines of, “F U… this is for the real men.”
Jada Boyd said she did not know her mother had been hit until after the show and wants accountability.
The performance was part of an awards-and-concert event in Tucker. Reports also described a tense exchange near the stage before the slap, including claims that Boyd was trying to get a DJ’s attention and that words were exchanged beforehand. Those accounts have not been independently confirmed in later interviews, and Boyd has maintained she posed no threat.
Boyd’s attorney, Shannon Render, said the family intends to sue for medical bills, travel expenses, lost work and recovery costs. “It’s not appropriate for you to enter a venue and then be assaulted and then have to carry the burden of your medical expenses,” Render said.
A police report has been filed. Boyd and her attorney said they have not been able to reach Whatley.
Also, Whatley’s Instagram account seems to have been made private, his Facebook account was deactivated, and an email sent through his Linktree has not gotten a response, according to local media.
Whatley has not issued a public comment on the allegations. No arrest has been publicly confirmed.
The case remains an accusation at this stage. Video of the strike has fueled online debate about what happened immediately before the slap, but Boyd says the blow was unprovoked and that she is seeking both criminal and civil remedies.
Fortunately, there are other ways and venues to enjoy live music in Atlanta. Our Atlanta Live Music Guide lets you know every week and each fun-filled weekend who’s playing and where.
There are so many Atlanta events popping off every week it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest gatherings, Atlanta happenings, parties and more delivered to your inbox.
Things to do in Atlanta on a weekly basis can range from going golfing mid-week to checking out the latest restaurant openings. At AtlantaFi.com, we curate the city for you!
Read more AtlantaFi.com stories:
