‘AITA for not giving up my front-row spot at a concert to someone claiming to be disabled?’

A concertgoer recounted a moment of internal struggle after denying a disabled individual’s request for a front-row spot at the concert.

The situation highlights a deeper dilemma many face when trying to balance fairness and empathy. While the person who secured the coveted spot initially stood firm in their decision, the lingering guilt of denying the request has left them questioning their action.

Concertgoer details why they denied a disabled person's request

A Reddit user named 'Dreygoryn' shared a post on the 'Am I the A**hole' forum titled, "AITA for refusing to give up my front-row spot at a concert to someone claiming to be disabled?" 

In the post, the user reflected on the effort they had put into securing a ticket for the concert, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. "A couple of weeks ago, I traveled to another country to see an artist I’ve been a fan of for six years. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I’d been waiting months for it. I sacrificed a lot financially and mentally to make it happen. Since it was my first (and probably only) time seeing them, I went all out," they explained.

Dreygoryn continued, "I bought GA tickets and arrived at the queue at 5 am (even though the doors wouldn’t open until 6.30–7 pm) in freezing cold weather. I waited all day—hungry, cold, and dehydrated—but it was worth it because when the doors opened, I secured a front-row barricade spot, right up against the stage. This was my dream spot."

The situation took a turn when a man behind them tapped on the shoulder and explained that he was disabled. "He said the venue was supposed to let disabled attendees in early, but they hadn’t. He asked me to give him my spot at the barricade. Here’s the thing: I know this venue is very accommodating for disabled attendees," they said.

"I actually have friends with disabilities who’ve gone to shows here, and the staff always ensures they get to the front row safely during a designated time frame before it gets too crowded," they wrote.

Additionally, Dreygoryn explained, "Now, I’m a very short person (155 cm/5’1”), and this guy was extremely tall—easily over 5.5 If I gave him my spot, I wouldn’t be able to see anything at all because he would completely block my view. I honestly would’ve been willing to move if he wasn’t so tall or if I could still see from the second row. However, in this case, I knew I’d lose the view I had waited more than 10 hours for."

OP details their conversation with disabled man

Dreygoryn went on to describe the conversation with the disabled man: "I tried to compromise. I pointed out that the right side of the barricade was still open and suggested he go there. Since he’s so tall, he’d still have a great view and could hold onto the rail for support. However, he refused, saying the view wasn’t as good as where I was. While we were talking, that section filled up, and he became more insistent. He said he’d "have a hard time" if he couldn’t take my spot."

The OP then shared their response: "At this point, I got frustrated and explained: If his disability was that serious, he should be in the accessible section, which is specifically designed for attendees with disabilities. If he insisted on being in the standing section, he should’ve brought a support aid, like a cane (I’d seen someone nearby with one)."

They added, "If he spoke to security, they could escort him to the front-row disabled seating, which has a fantastic view and is much more accommodating."

Following the conversation, the OP recalled the man's response. He cussed the OP and used abusive words before leaving.

The OP concluded with the question, "I feel like he just wanted my spot and wasn’t being truthful. The venue offers several options for disabled attendees, and I tried to direct him to alternatives. I feel bad for saying no but I don’t think it was fair for him to ask me to sacrifice my entire experience. So, AITA ?"

Internet rallies behind OP for refusing to leave their spot

After reading the conversation between the OP and the disabled person requesting the barricade spot at the concert, several Reddit users supported the OP, acknowledging the effort they put into securing that particular spot.

One user wrote, "He thought you looked like an easy mark. He could have asked anyone else around you but chose not to. He could have taken the open spot too, but even said your view was better and he wanted that view. NTA"

The second user offered a suggestion, "This was the damning fact for me. If he was truly seeking a spot for his disability, the other section by the rail would have been an acceptable solution that didn’t affect anyone else. It wasn’t about the disability, it was about OP’s spot specifically." 

A person added, "Yup. Wanted the spot without any of the work OP had done to secure it. NTA but that guy was."

A comment read, "NTA….If he is so tall and he could see over you, why didn’t he just stand behind you? He just wanted the spot you had." 

Another user agreed with the OP, "Right, if I’m behind you it dosent matter. You’re way shorter than me. NTA."

One person remarked, "NTA, if they didn’t let him in with the rest of those who are disabled, then he’s probably not able to prove his disability. You could then go back and tell him “well I’m disabled, I got let in early and this is the spot I chose” and if he tries to make you prove your disabled, then make him prove he is. 🤷‍♀️"

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