AITA for refusing to give up my front-row spot at a concert to someone claiming to be disabled?

A Reddit user (5’1″) shared their story about traveling to another country and waiting over 10 hours in freezing weather to secure a front-row spot at a concert. A tall attendee claimed to be disabled and asked them to give up their spot, citing issues with the venue’s accommodation. The user offered alternative solutions, but the situation escalated when the individual refused and insulted them. Now, they’re wondering if refusing to move was selfish or justified.

‘ AITA for refusing to give up my front-row spot at a concert to someone claiming to be disabled?’

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: I bought GA tickets and arrived at the queue at 5 a.m. (even though the doors wouldn’t open until 6:30–7 p.m.) 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.

Then, a guy behind me tapped me on the shoulder and told me 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. 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. 

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.

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. At this point, I got frustrated and explained:

1. If his disability was that serious, he should be in the accessible section, which is specifically designed for attendees with disabilities.
2. 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).
3. 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.

After hearing this, he called me an “a**hole,” told me to “get fucked,” and left. 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 ?

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Otherwise-Topic-1791 −  I find it strange that he zeroed in on you and only you and he didn’t ask/ demand anyone else move. NTA.

NerdySwampWitch40 −  NTA. As someone who is disabled, I call venues ahead about the accommodations I need, and it’s usually worked out for me at no charge here in Washington State in the US (a seat somewhere so I can sit and enjoy the music). The seat is reserved with my name on it, and I have to show ID to get it. I am not sure what the man’s disability was, but he should have asked venue staff for assistance rather than trying to force the issue with you.

MorningStarsSong −  NTA. The moment he didn’t want the other spot to the right you suggested, because the view from your spot was better, made it clear he just wanted to grab the best spot from you.

I had people try that with me in similar situations (I had waited hours and secured front row center) by using their kids as b**ckmail. Didn’t work on me either. If you come with your kid and think they need to stand in front row, make sure to come earlier. Don’t shove your way to the front shortly before the show starts to try to guilt trip people into letting you take their spot.

LindonLilBlueBalls −  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.

_aerofish_ −  As someone who has done the exact same thing to see my favorite band, he was scamming you. See it all the time. Along with:
1. My friend is holding my spot up front!
2. Can I just squeeze in next to you?
3. Can I just reach past you and grab the barricade with my hand?

Once the music starts and there’s a push forward, these types will literally try and elbow, push, or crowd you out of the way. That’s why the general stance is to stand with feet apart, and cross your arms to rest on the barricade. Don’t let go, don’t stand back with just your hands resting on it. They look for “weak spots” to wedge in so don’t give it to them. LOL, yes, it’s like a contact sport.

dragonetta123 −  NTA. Venues have designated disabled areas or push you to purchase assigned accessible seating. This is for safety. No disabled person would be given early access for general admission, especially in a standing only area.. He was trying it on.

edebby −  NTA. Disabled people must present a disability ID. You can’t just stand on a disabled queue and enter the disabled section without showing a valid disability ID. If he was really disabled, he could just show you his ID like he would at the special queue. And his stupid excuse that he would be entering the venue earlier is also false. disabled people has designated area where NO ONE – even those who come early as you can enter. He tried to s**m you into giving up your premium spot, nothing else.. Lousy l**r.

ConstructionOk6249 −  As a disabled person this makes me so mad. I’m super aware of my limitations and I always check to make sure I’ve got a clear idea of accommodations available for me. I would never expect someone to give me whatever I wanted just because I’m disabled.

These are the type of people who have learned if they say “oh I’m disabled” they get what some assholes see as “perks”. So they throw it around like it’s some sort of magic pass to fun things. NTA and as a fellow short person (less than 5 feet tall) I feel your pain about tall people in the front blocking the view lol.

Worth-Season3645 −  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.

doot_the_root −  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.