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Visually impaired Beyonc fan 'dehumanised' at gig

London, UKLocal News

Esther Obigbesan, a visually impaired fan, expressed feeling "dehumanized" at a Beyoncé concert when she was asked to give up her cane to access the VIP area. Despite spending £489 on a standing VIP ticket and proactively contacting venue staff about her access needs, she received no response. Upon arrival, security staff stopped her, insisting that her cane posed a safety risk and stating that such aids were not allowed in standing sections. After surrendering her cane to a medic team, she was allowed to enter but was later relocated due to safety concerns about her visibility. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium acknowledged the situation fell short of their standards, issued an apology, and refunded her ticket.

The club has since committed to improving steward training and enhancing communication regarding accessibility. Leigh Luke, a customer services manager, emphasized the need for venues to communicate directly with patrons rather than through others. Obigbesan's experience highlights ongoing issues regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities at large events.

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