Josh Gad is opening up about the “frightening” experience that occurred when a man rushed the stage at a Speech & Debate competition in Iowa, which led audience members to storm out of the venue in fear.
The 44-year-old Frozen actor says that he was “trampled numerous times” in the terrifying moment and he says he’ll “never forgive that individual” for the fear he caused in the crowd.
Josh attended the National Speech and Debate Tournament finals on Thursday afternoon (June 19) at the EMC Expo Center in Des Moines, Iowa.
Local outlets report that a 22-year-old man “entered the stage area during event activities” and his “behavior prompted safety concerns and the immediate area was evacuated.”
“No weapons were seen or have been recovered at this time,” the Des Moines Police Department said. “No injuries have been reported at this time.”
Josh released a full statement about his experience.
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“Today marked my return to the world of speech and debate after 26 long years. I came to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this incredible HS event. I was blessed enough to watch 5 incredible competitors in the final round of humorous interpretation. Unfortunately, a deeply unwell & disturbed individual frightened everyone in the auditorium, including me, and created absolute chaos & fear,” Josh began in his statement.
He continued, “I will never forgive that individual for taking away the joy of all of these incredible students who were there to compete and be seen. The selfishness that individual showed by terrifying a group of young individuals & their coaches was disgraceful.”
“I, like many others ran in fear & was trampled numerous times. I was blown away by the courage & the bravery of the nearly 3000 individuals who responded with resolve to today’s event. To every student who was traumatized, as I was, by this incident, know that I see you and I love you. We should not have to live in the world in which things like this are even imaginable. You are the bright stars of tomorrow & your voices & your words are the foundation upon which I hope we build a better future. I will be back at some point in the future to properly celebrate with all of you. You all inspire me. I hope everyone is safe and I am sending each one of you warm hugs. Until we meet again,” Josh said.
Josh was at the event to sign his book “In Gad We Trust” from 12pm to 1pm. The incident occurred just before 3pm.
You can watch news coverage of Josh‘s appearance at the event above. He is the 1998 Original Oratory Champion from Speech & Debate. He calls the program the most important opportunity that any school can offer.
