Generally speaking, event tickets are not refundable. Unless a show is canceled, your purchase stays with you – either on the primary or the secondary market. But one fan has received a rare exception to that rule, as TD Place has decided to grant her a refund to a performance by Hedley, which is reeling in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations.
Ruqayyah Bobat circulated a petition urging that the Canadian venue offer refunds to the performance in light of the accusations which came to light in the past weeks and included alleged acts of misconduct involving members of the band and underage fans. The venue stopped short of that – issuing a statement stressing the contractual obligation it had to stage the concert this week.
“OSEG [the group which operates TD Place] condemns acts of sexual misconduct and fully support the #MeToo movement,” the statement reads. “As a venue, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all of our guests. We are aware of the allegations against Hedley … and have a contractual obligation to stage this concert. We continue to monitor this evolving situation closely with the promoter. Ticketholders with any questions should contact our box office.”
The band, based out of British Columbia, has denied the allegations, which have cost them their management team, opening acts on the current tour, and support from Corus radio stations and the CBC.
In an interview, Bobat, who was informed she would receive the refund of her $178.60 within a few business days, said “I could not, in good conscience, attend the concert or support a public figure such as this under these allegations and uncertainty.
“So I wanted an option to remove myself from the situation. It’s really tainted my feelings towards the band. I couldn’t imagine being there in the crowd looking at the young girls around me and thinking about those stories I read on Twitter.”
The band performs on Monday in Barrie, Ontario before Tuesday’s scheduled performance at TD Place in Ottawa. It then moves on to Montreal on Wednesday and then Kingston, Ont. On February 27.
