Christina Grimmie death: VidCon organisers ban audience from approaching panellists after shows
'This has been an awful weekend for our community and our world,' say organisers
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Your support makes all the difference.Organisers of annual conference VidCon have said attendees will no longer be able to approach panel guests after shows, following the death of Christina Grimmie.
The former Voice contestant was shot dead by Kevin Loibl while signing autographs after a concert in Florida. Grimmie launched her career by amassing thousands of fans on YouTube as a teenager.
VidCon, which showcases YouTubers and other social media influencers, announced its plans to up security in a letter posted on Tumblr.
Organisers of the conference said policies such as passing through a metal detector and having all bags checked must now be enforced after her killing.
It also referenced the Orlando shooting that saw 49 killed and 53 wounded after a lone gunman attacked an LGBT club.
“This has been an awful weekend for our community and our world,” the letter read.
“Christina Grimmie was an innovator, and an artist, and she was so so kind. Losing her is devastating. And the attack in Orlando likewise drives home how much hate there is in the world.
“It’s awful. These things seem impossible, but they are real.
"As you might expect, security at VidCon will be different this year and we wanted to let you know what that means for you.
“Previously, after panels many fans have come up to give creators gifts or letters or to ask questions and talk. This will no longer be a thing. Creators won't be able to linger after panels and the audience will not be allowed to approach the panelists. This sucks... but it is unfortunately necessary.”
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