Reports About “Kidnapped” Saudi Arabian Stray Kids Fans Revealed To Be Fake
Previously, several Saudi Arabian STAYs (fans of boy group Stray Kids) were said to have gone missing following a postponed concert.
On January 14, Stray Kids was scheduled to perform in the Riyadh Season, Saudi Arabia’s largest music festival, when it was cancelled due to inclement weather. Unfortunately, fans had already gathered at the stadium and were suddenly faced with transportation issues.
Reports began circulating on Twitter that “dangerous” and “unknown” men were kidnapping girls in the venue.
Upon hearing the news, international fans of various fandoms poured in their support, sharing tips and resources to help those missing. Several Twitter Spaces were also created to communicate with those who were lost or in need of assistance.
Hours later, Saudi Arabian fans who returned from the venue revealed that—unlike what was spreading online—the actual situation was “calm and safe.” Videos showed that police were helping and protecting fans.
🛑 Another guide 🛑
The situation was calm and safe. There were police and people there helping each other. Everything that was written here on Twitter was a lie. There was no kidnapping or anything like that. Saudi Arabia is very safe#متضررين_الكونسرت
pic.twitter.com/lq6z5InKg8— Rysock🧃. (@rrag80) January 15, 2022
Also, this is a video clip from a reliable person, who says that Lamen was everywhere and did not leave the stay alone and were protecting them well (you can see this in the video)#متضررين_الكونسرت #StrayKids_in_Riyadh #STAY_SKZ_BE_SAFE pic.twitter.com/SFOmRiiyDO
— Rysock🧃. (@rrag80) January 15, 2022
Buses organized by STAYs helped many girls reach home safely. Ultimately, they insisted that the situation was much different than what was portrayed on Twitter.
A Saudi Arabian news site confirmed that it was not true that fans were kidnapped. They stated that those who continue to spread the rumors will be prosecuted.
There is no truth to what was circulated on social media about cases of harassment that took place at a concert that was postponed before it started in Riyadh due to circumstances beyond our control, and anyone who spreads these rumors that reduce the efforts of the security forces will be subject to prosecution and legal accountability.
— The Saudi Post
مصدر للسعودية بوست:
لا صحة لما تداول في مواقع التواصل الإجتماعي حول حالات تحرش وقعت في حفل موسيقي تم تأجيله قبل أن يبدأ بمدينة الرياض لظروف خارجة عن الإرادة، وكل من يروج لتلك الشائعات التي تقلل من جهود رجال الأمن سيتعرض للملاحقة والمسائلة القانونية #القبض_علي_متحرشين_الكونسرت pic.twitter.com/zgRZvDemCl
— The Saudi Post (@TheSaudi_post) January 14, 2022
Several fans who were said to have been missing were found safely, did not actually exist, or faked their situation.
The confusion that ensued after the concert was cancelled was what appeared to have caused people to believe their loved ones were missing. Thankfully, all fans made it home safe and sound.
Everyone ‼️‼️
Before you say anything watch this video plz .. #StrayKids_in_Riyadh #StrayKidsinriyadh #واقع_كونسرت_الكيبوب_اليوم pic.twitter.com/eyaYYt1V3h— 🥟 (@jinaell) January 15, 2022