Taylor Swift’s recent concert at La Défense Arena in Paris on Mother’s Day weekend became a hot topic of conversation, though surprisingly, the discussions centered not on her performance but on an unexpected attendee—a baby photographed sleeping on a purple coat amidst the crowd in the standing-only section.
The image of the sleeping infant quickly spread after being posted on Twitter on May 10 by user @jacnights13. It shows an unidentified adult standing near the baby, whose relationship to the child was not clear from the photo. This unexpected sight at a high-energy pop concert sparked a myriad of reactions across social media platforms, ranging from disbelief to concern.
“Not to be one of those people but I would genuinely call security if I saw a baby in the pit because it is NOT safe there,” the photo was captioned.
Several Twitter users, including a self-identified mother, expressed astonishment at the decision to bring a baby to such a loud and bustling environment. Critics highlighted the lack of a baby carrier and emphasized the need for ear protection, which was not visible in the photo, raising concerns about the infant’s hearing safety.
“(I) can’t imagine how stressful it must have been for the baby to be in that environment,” someone wrote.
“Literally if there was an emergency and everyone had to rush to exit that baby would get stepped on or injured. It’s literally so upsetting to me I can’t even…” another wrote.
The controversy tapped into broader discussions about the appropriateness of bringing young children to events like concerts, which are typically characterized by loud music, intense lighting, and large crowds. Online commentators and concertgoers alike debated the potential risks involved, including the dangers that might arise during an emergency that requires quick evacuation of the venue.
Amidst the growing debate, a spokesperson for La Défense Arena addressed the incident, stating that while the venue’s policies require minors to be accompanied by an adult, the primary responsibility for the child’s welfare rests with their guardian. The spokesperson also noted that the venue offers alternative seating options for attendees with young children in the standing area, but in this instance, those options were declined.
The arena’s website provides guidance for concertgoers, listing bag policies and prohibited items but stops short of imposing specific restrictions on the attendance of young children. However, it does advise against bringing children under four years old to events, primarily due to concerns about noise exposure.
Taylor Swift, the 34-year-old “Cruel Summer” singer, launched her Eras Tour in Paris on May 9, marking her return to live performances and the debut of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” Swift’s concerts are known for their dynamic energy and large audiences, features that have sparked further discussions regarding the suitability of such settings for young children.
The incident has not only stirred a debate about parental responsibility at public events but also prompted a discussion on what measures venues might consider to ensure the well-being of all attendees.
