Environmental protester Avril Lavigne defends topless stunt: ‘We created an international buzz’
The environmental protester who went viral on Monday night after crashing onto the stage at the 2023 Juno Awards shirtless explained that she appeared shirtless to deliberately get attention.
The woman, identified as Casey “Ever” Hatherly, spoke to reporters after appearing in court in Edmonton on Wednesday on her mischief charge for appearing on stage. When asked why she took the stage shirtless, she explained that she intentionally appeared shirtless to get people talking.
“We’ve created an international buzz, and even if people don’t ask the right questions now, they will. And that is, as I said, our mobilization effort. We are On2Ottawa, and we hope you will join us as we demand a citizens’ assembly to address the desperate need for climate change action now,” said Hatherly.
A protester interrupts Avril Lavigne speaking on stage during the 2023 JUNO Awards at Rogers Place on March 13, 2023 in Edmonton, Canada. (Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)
“I think to get people’s attention, you have to do something drastic,” she added. “I know I have an incredible privilege, and it’s my absolute privilege to stand up and fight for something I believe in. And if the best way to do that is to play the cards that are dealt to me , I have white privilege, I have perfect tits and a massive a–, so I got the attention On2Ottawa needed.”
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Environmental organization On2Ottawa took credit for the stunt on Twitter after Hatherly said she paid for her trip.
“On2Ottawa’s own eVer really wants your attention. You see, we only have 2 years before our GHG emissions need to peak and then come down as fast as possible. These next two years are the most milestones in human history. Please join us for Ottawa to push for a citizens’ assembly,” the group tweeted.
“Everyone just saw a topless protester, but they’re watching now,” Hatherly agreed.
When asked how she got to the stage, Hatherly replied, “I just walked up there. It was so easy.” She also said her charges were changed from mischief to unlawful obstruction.
Lavigne was heard telling the protester, “Take the f— off, b–ch.” (Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)
Onstage, Hatherly crossed paths with punk singer Avril Lavigne who featured performer AP Dhillon. Although Lavigne largely ignored Hatherly as she took the stage, she later confronted Hatherly as she was escorted by security.
“Get clear,” Lavigne told the protester. “Take the p— off, b–ch.”
As for Lavigne’s reaction, Hatherly admitted that she was a bit surprised by the response, but still enjoyed it because it “got people talking.”
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“I was really hoping Avril would be punk rock and girl power, maybe she’d give me the mic — but to be honest, I don’t think it could have gone any better,” Hatherly said. “She wasn’t polite, but it definitely got people talking.”
According to reports, On2Ottawa is seeking a citizens’ assembly from the federal government by April 1. This deadline comes days before Hatherly’s next court date, April 5.
Casey Hatherly has participated in other topless protests across Canada. (Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)
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Hatherly also took part in topless protests in Victoria and Vancouver. More recently, three On2Ottawa protesters were arrested on March 1 after they defaced a woolly mammoth replica at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria with pink paint. The three were later charged with mischief.
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