A late-night incident at a Whitianga entertainment venue has left a young DJ shaken and reconsidering future performances after being confronted by a group of men during her set. Police are investigating the disturbance, which took place early Sunday morning at the Monkey House Lounge and Cabaret Bar.

Auckland-based artist Molly Parker, who performs as HEXIIS, described the event unfolding around 12:30 a.m. when approximately 15 men wearing Mercury Bay Rugby Club shirts entered the venue. Parker said the men repeatedly attempted to climb onto the stage while she was performing, despite her requests for them to stay back. With most other patrons outside at the time, she said she felt "terrified" and isolated amid the group.

According to Parker, the group initially asked to use the microphone, but several men then forcefully made their way onto the stage. She recounted an escalation when one man became confrontational after she asked him not to touch her DJ equipment. Parker’s friend and fellow DJ, Amber White, known as DJ SLAPS, came to her aid by warning the men to leave the stage. Parker further alleged that one individual threw a full can of alcohol at her from the dancefloor, soaking both her and her equipment. The performance was cut short as staff and patrons eventually escorted the group out.

The situation escalated outside the venue, where a fight reportedly broke out. During this altercation, White sustained bone bruising to her arm after being punched while attempting to intervene.

Mike Skeen, chairman of Mercury Bay Rugby and Sports Club, acknowledged the involvement of several club members in the incident. He confirmed the club is cooperating with police and emphasized that any further comment would be premature pending the investigation’s outcome. Skeen stated the club condemns all forms of harassment and violence, particularly against women, and noted the reported behavior does not align with the club’s values.

Police confirmed they responded to reports of two men fighting and behaving aggressively at the venue around 1:30 a.m. Officers noted at least one person had been assaulted during the incident, though details remain under investigation.

Parker expressed ongoing distress over the episode, highlighting the vulnerability she felt facing a group of intoxicated men who disregarded her boundaries. She also commended the Monkey House staff for their support following the incident, including offering to cover medical and other related expenses.

In the aftermath, Parker urged friends and the wider community to hold each other accountable for inappropriate conduct, stressing the importance of calling out harmful behavior or reconsidering associations with those who engage in it.