A London street artist felt the wrath of a bystander – after spotting her ‘cash or card’ donation sign.
The harpist, who posts on TikTok as @Robyn.hearts.harp, was playing a version of George Michael’s Careless Whisper when the irate woman approached her in the high street in the suburb of Harrow.
In the video taken by the harpist, the woman, who is only heard and not seen, can be heard exclaiming: “I’m going to report you to Harrow council.”
Adding subtitles to the video, London harp player Robyn adjusted the caption to say: “I’m going to report you to the Karen council.”
After being accused of illegal begging, Robyn continued to play quietly and simply responded with “okay.”
Robyn, a harpist from London who regularly posts footage of her performance on TikTok, shared a video of her being angrily approached by the woman in Harrow
When the woman asked if she had permission to play in the street, the harpist confidently responded and said ‘yes!’.
Assuming she was begging, the boomer continued to berate her, saying, “I’ve never seen a beggar or anyone begging for people to put it on their card.”
The harpist patiently assured her that she was not begging and merely playing the instrument, with payment by card or cash optional.
Unconvinced and persistent, the complaining woman hit back. ‘You have to ‘tip £2′, that’s begging, don’t you know the difference? I’ll ask Harrow Council if you have permission so they can arrest you!’
Cool if you like: the harpist, who played George Michael’s Careless Whisper, remained calm despite the accusations of begging
The harpist’s TikTok fans were quick to comment, saying her playing added to the atmosphere of the high street in Harrow
After confirming twice that she was cleared to play, Robyn could only laugh before her confrontation reluctantly left her alone.
According to Harrow Council, busking is allowed in designated areas as long as musicians are licensed to do so, with two-hour slots available that must be booked in advance by performers.
Fines can be issued to performers who do not follow the rules or perform within permitted areas, both on St Ann’s Road in Harrow, where Robyn played.
Robyn’s TikTok fans were quick to defend her, with one apologizing for the woman’s rudeness.
One said: ‘Busking is so hard, and people are impossible. I’m so sorry. You play beautifully.’
Another added: ‘You are so relaxed in your approach with this idiot. Honestly, it adds to the atmosphere of the area. Keep doing what you’re doing!’