A pop singer has defended an alleged pickpocket who was caught on camera allegedly trying to steal his belongings at a Copa America game.
Music artist Luis Alfonso attended the Brazil v Colombia group game.
The match at the Levi’s Stadium, in Santa Clara, near San Jose, California, US, ended 1-1.
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After watching the group game, Alfonso, 30, was filmed singing his latest hit ‘Chismofilia’ with a group of fellow Colombians outside the stadium.
However, a woman was caught on camera allegedly trying to pilfer his waist bag.
The clip shows the Colombian star belting out the lyrics to his song with around a dozen fans outside the stadium.
A woman standing behind him is seen with her hand on his bag, apparently trying to open it.
He said his wife noticed that the bag had been opened because Alfonso’s passport and documents were found on the ground.
After his 1.5m Instagram fans reacted angrily to the woman’s alleged robbery attempt, Alfonso posted a video defending her.
In the clip, he explains: “Imagine, we were there taking photos among a large crowd and, honestly, I never distrust anyone.
“But the lady did manage to open my bag.
“Thank God I like to travel light because I’m the kind of person who spends everything I have on me.
“So thankfully I didn’t have anything valuable in there, just my passport and papers.
“I invite you to reflect on this, I know nobody understands the needs of someone else.
“I don’t judge the lady, I don’t judge the people who are suddenly doing this.
“But I ask you guys to progress in life without taking from anyone else.
“Everyone has the right to move forwards.”
However, Alfonso admitted the woman’s actions have given Colombia a bad name, as reported on What’s the Jam.
He said: “It’s very sad, man, that when they’re outside Colombia they go and do stupid things.
“They make the country look bad and they make us, the people who work hard, look bad too.”
His video went viral on Instagram with 965,000 views and hundreds of comments.
One fan said: “A true gentleman. Your suggestion to work hard and respect other people’s property is very good.”
Patricia wrote: “Your way of thinking is beautiful, you are a great human being.”
Vanessa commented: “I used to hate this guy, but after watching this video, I have to say it’s a great way to react to something so tasteless.”
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