Travis McCoy Fights With Fan Over Racial Slur

Travis McCoy, front man for alternative/hip-hop band Gym Class Heroes, was arrested on assault charges last Tuesday in Missouri after hitting an audience member. The group was in Maryland Heights for a stop on Van’s Warped Tour. Travis hit the man with his microphone after the man called him a "f***ing ignorant n***er."

"There were words exchanged, and the artist took offense to something that was said to him," Sgt. Joseph Eagan said. "The complainant alleged that he was struck, and we're waiting for it to go to the prosecuting attorney."

Bob McLynn, Gym Glass Heroes’ manager issued the following statement:
"Somebody in the crowd was taunting Travis with racial slurs. Travis invited him onstage with the intent of calling him out in front of the crowd, with absolutely no intention of a physical altercation," he said. "When he tried to help him onstage, the guy hit Travis in the knee area (which has been in a brace because of a recent sprain), forcing Travis to defend himself. At this point, a scuffle broke out."
"This whole incident is unfortunate," the statement continues. "Travis McCoy and Gym Class Heroes are anything but violent. Their message is about racial unity and having a good time. It's amazing that in 2008, there are still people out there that would say such ignorant things. Travis is deeply upset that this happened, and has expressed his apologies to the band's fans that were at the show, [tour organizer] Kevin Lyman, and the Vans Warped Tour. GCH is putting this behind them and looks forward to seeing everyone on the rest of the tour." Source

Unfortunate is right. Nonviolence is cool and all but that guy should consider himself lucky. Instead of a knock on the head with a mic, Travis could have molly wopped him up and down that stage for his ignoramus statements.