A meet and greet with a TikTok and OnlyFans influencer had to be drawn to a hasty close after hundreds more people than expected turned up.
Fans claimed they waited for ‘hours’ to see Anna Paul, who was due to make an appearance at a mall in Perth, Australia, but were left disappointed after the event turned to chaos and cops had to call an end to the meet and greet.
The 23-year-old is taking part in a tour to promote a collaboration with clothing brand STAX, with organisers expecting between 200 and 300 people to turn up at the event in Perth.
Advert
However, on the day a significantly larger crowd arrived all hoping to catch a glimpse of Anna.
Somewhat bafflingly, one fan even brought a small pony along to the event.
Due to the sheer number of people who rocked up, cops were left with no choice but to cancel the event and disperse the crowds.
Advert
As you can imagine, fans weren’t left feeling slightly miffed after queuing up, with some claiming they'd been 'trampled' in the chaos.
Posting on TikTok one person wrote: "Waited 5+ hours, got squished and trampled, gasping for air, nearly fainted all for it to get closed down by the police."
Another said: “I got there at 2 a.m. and got to see her but only for a split second and barely could say anything but still very grateful. So sad it got cancelled."
Anna also posted on Instagram to express her disappointment about the cancellation, but stressed that the safety of her fans was her number one priority.
Advert
She wrote: “Due to safety, the West Australian Police had to shut down the Perth meet and greet early.
“It became a huge safety hazard. Thank you for being amazing.
“I am so so sorry. We tried our best to work with the police but it got too much. Your safety is our #1 concern always. I love you.”
In a statement to news.co.au a police spokesperson said: “Due to the size of the crowd and lack of appropriate security and other event planning in place to cope with the larger than expected crowd, and in consultation with the store management, the event was closed down and police commenced dispersing the crowd from the area.”
Advert
In a statement on its official Instagram page, STAX said: "On behalf of myself and Matilda, we have the unfortunate news and have been directed by Perth Police that due to crowd control we are unable to proceed with today’s meet and greet in Perth.
"We are overwhelmed with the response and cannot thank you all so much for continually supporting STAX. and all that we do.
"As you can imagine this is not how we foresaw today going, I am personally heartbroken that we cannot go ahead. We love and appreciate each and everyone of you."
Claire Reid