Parents might sometimes feel reluctant to allow their beloved children to attend concerts on their own and some might even join their children in order to ensure their safety. However, there are parents who would go to great lengths to forge their identity, ultimately getting them into trouble.
Recently, a Singaporean father was sentenced to a fine of SGD$5,000 (RM17,263) for impersonating his daughter as a Selangor princess and himself as the princess’ personal bodyguard during K-pop boy group ENHYPEN’s (엔하이픈) concert at Singapore Indoor Stadium. According to reports, the 49-year-old man claimed he was worried for his daughter’s safety and wanted her to gain easy access to the 2-day concert while being able to keep an eye out for her.
The Singaporean’s plan included lying to the concert organiser, Anschutz Entertainment Group, by calling the company to inform them that a ‘princess’ from the Selangor royal family would be attending. The man explained that he was the princess’s bodyguard and asked for access to ensure the safety of the princess since he did not have tickets to the concert.
On 20th June, the first day of the show, the father-and-daughter duo, along with the daughter’s friend, attended the concert venue together. The man, who even dressed in a suit to look like a proper escort, was given a lanyard and two wristbands that allowed them early entry for both concert dates. However, an event manager at the Singapore Sports Hub had developed doubts regarding their identity and later reported them to the security team and the Singapore Indoor Stadium employees.
The identities of the man, his daughter and her friend were ultimately uncovered and a police report was submitted against them. When the trio arrived at the concert the next day for the second show, they were escorted by the concert organiser staff, and the police were called.
During the court proceedings, the man pleaded for a lighter sentence, emphasising that he had no malicious intent and deeply regretted his actions. Ultimately, the court only imposed a fine on him for gaining unauthorised access to the concert. However, he could have faced up to five years in prison, a fine, or both for committing fraudulent impersonation.
This incident showcases the weight of fraudulent impersonation and the legal consequences that can follow such actions. While the man expressed genuine remorse and sought mercy, the court’s decision to impose a fine reflects the need to uphold legal standards and deter similar offences. As this case highlights, maintaining integrity and following regulations are crucial in all aspects of life, including attendance at public events.
Source: CNA
Alia contributed to this article.
