Unless it’s to watch paint dry, a spot in the front row at any event is a coveted position. So if you found yourself lucky enough to be there, you’d probably hold on tight, right?
One Redditor recently found themselves challenged when they held that esteemed spot. They recounted everything in a post on the “Am I the A**hole (AITA)” subReddit.
The Original Poster (OP), known as Concertaitathrowaway on the site, shared just why they were wavering on the title.
“AITA for not giving my front row spot at a concert to a girl in a wheelchair”
First, OP set the stage with some facts.
“I know how the title sounds and this is kind of long but please hear me out.”
“Recently, my favorite artist performed at a local music festival and I purchased the tickets as soon as they went on sale months ago.”
“As with most festivals, there is no assigned seating and the crowd is absolutely massive (almost 100k people spread across 5 or 6 stages).”
For OP, this was a big deal.
“Floor seats at a regular concert for this artist can regularly cost upwards of five figures so this is most likely the only time I would be able to get this close in my life.”
“I got to the gates at 11 am when the festival opened and was able to get a spot at the very front.”
“Since I didn’t have anyone to go with I had to hold my spot for almost nine hours outside in a muddy field in Texas heat, I took one bathroom break early on.”
Then there was a new development.
“About 15 mins before the show starts someone nudges me.”
“I turn around and there is a girl in a wheelchair along with 3 or 4 women in their 40s, one of the women says ‘you need to get behind us’ and I was taken aback I apologized but explained that I didn’t feel comfortable doing that after waiting so long.”
“I am petite and knew that once I left the front I would just get further away from the stage.”
That was received about as well as you’d expect.
“One of the other women starts chewing me out saying it’s not fair that her niece can’t see past me and the couple to my left join in calling me an a**hole.”
“I asked the couple why they didn’t move then and they kept quiet I then told the women again I am sorry but no please quit asking.”
“They managed to squeeze their way in between a large group of friends nearby.”
OP closed with her take.
“I don’t think I was the AH because in the most respectful way possible I don’t think the girl was the one wanting to be in the front as she seemed completely nonverbal and had her eyes closed the majority of the show.”
“My friends have told me I wasn’t wrong but I still feel somewhat guilty. AITA?”
Anonymous strangers weighed in by declaring:
- NTA – Not The A**hole
- YTA – You’re The A**hole
- ESH – Everyone Sucks Here
- NAH – No A**holes Here
Most Redditors who responded took OP’s side. They openly questioned the motives of the women who made the scene.
“It’s almost as if they just used her disability to get some benefits for themselves.”
“Also, if it was so important for them and the girl herself to be there, they should’ve planned accordingly or at least ask in POLITE MANNER.” — No-Jellyfish-1208
“NTA. I’m not sure about that particular venue but most concerts I’ve been to have areas for people using mobility devices and you can make arrangements with security to access them.”
“It sounds like these women were using someone in a wheelchair to try to get a good spot, which is pretty gross.” — Allaboutbird
“NTA. Being in a wheelchair doesn’t exempt you from waiting on a field for 9 hours. It sounds like maybe the women were using the person in the chair so THEY could be up close.”
“I am impressed that you could go for that long without a bathroom break.” — dwells2301
Others gave them the benefit of the doubt, but still had issues.
“Guy in a wheelchair who goes to a lot of shows here. NTA. I’ve had plenty of concerts where I just show up and hope for the best but usually I’m researching the venue ahead of time.”
“Probably about three quarters of the time, there’s a space reserved for wheelchair seating. If not, I’ll show up early so I can get to the front. I can’t imagine trying to get to the front in a show as large as the one you’re describing.” — DuckDodgers22
“NTA-If I know I want a front row spot or room for my wheelchair I show up early enough to make that happen without inconveniencing others. They should have planned ahead or the couple who were quick to join in on calling you an a**hole should have offered to move.” — GothPenguin
“NTA- Having a disability doesn’t entitle you to special treatment. You deserve to have your disabilities accommodated sure but those women were essentially using the disabled person as as excuse to run you out since they would be getting the benefit too.”
“You are in no way obligated to sacrifice the value of those expensive tickets. Maybe next time they should plan their outings better knowing they have a wheelchair bound person.” — a_tyrannosaurus_rex
And many simply pointed to the fact that OP put as much effort into getting the spot in the first place.
“NTA – surely they could have spoken to security if it was such a big deal and got side stage access or in front of the barrier? I’ve seen that at gigs loads of times for wheelchair users/people in casts/using crutches etc”
“Don’t feel guilty man, I’m one of those that turn up super early to get a good spot and I don’t think you’ve done anything wrong” — PennyyPickle
“NTA, you were there first and you went through hell to keep that spot all day long. If they wanted a better view they should have come earlier” — JJ-Anthrax
“when I read the title I immediately thought ‘Op is for SURE a a**hole’ ..but yeah then I read the text and I can definitely say NTA!”
“You waited alone for so many hours and showed up early. I really can’t understand why you should have given up your place. :)” — whydoIhavetodothis0
Here’s hoping OP’s enjoyment of their favorite artist wasn’t overshadowed by their conflicts with the other attendees.