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Home / Entertainment

'Disgusted': Controversy over Demi Lovato's 'prank' on bodyguard

By Bronte Coy
news.com.auΒ·
3 Jun, 2018 11:30 PM3 mins to read

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Recording artist Demi Lovato. Photo / Getty Images

Recording artist Demi Lovato. Photo / Getty Images

Demi Lovato has come under fire after admitting to directing a very poorly-chosen "prank" during an online Q&A session.

Lovato took to Twitter on Sunday morning to answer random questions from fans, but things took a controversial turn after one user asked: "What's the funniest prank you've ever pulled?"

The pop star, 25, responded with a story about a "joke" she'd played on her bodyguard, Max, while they were staying in the same hotel.

"I hired a lady of the night in Vegas and sent her to Max's hotel room to surprise him. She walked into his room without permission and grabbed him in his 'area' and he freaked the f**k out hahahaha," Lovato wrote.

Her response quickly attracted criticism, with many accusing her of orchestrating a sexual assault.

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UhhHHH why does she think sexual assault is a funny prank

— 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒐𝒕𝒕𝒆 (@illicitcardigan) June 3, 2018

After seeing the furious reaction online, Lovato deleted the original post and shrugged off the backlash with another tweet.

I swear I could tweet something about craving jelly beans and it would offend someone.

— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) June 3, 2018

She followed it up with a tweet suggesting she didn't need an education on sexual abuse β€” and directed people to listen to one of her songs.

Shortly afterwards, Lovato apologised for her actions, writing simply: "So sorry if anyone was offended," alongside an emoji of a sad face.

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Despite fans' rage, it seems Max β€” the target of the prank β€” had no issue with it. Once the backlash began to really gather speed, he came to his boss' defence and insisted she had no reason to apologise.

I WAS NOT https://t.co/LcmfgoErHY

— Max (@2Maxx22) June 3, 2018

Really! You guys all need to β€˜Grow Up’! It was a joke and a fun prank from someone whose incredible to work for and with. And does everything she can for her fans, family and friends. Love you @ddlovato

— Max (@2Maxx22) June 3, 2018
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