New Sex Pistols singer Frank Carter recently defended a trans-inclusive women-only mosh pit at a Sex Pistols gig after kicking out a disruptive male fan, addressing the incident in a statement shared on Instagram.
During the show, Carter called out a male audience member who entered the women-only mosh pit and had security eject him. Carter addressed the fan directly from the stage, explaining why the space was created.
“Every time, there’s always a f*cking man that tells me, ‘[Women] can do this all the f*cking time.’ Like, they can’t. They fucking can’t,” Carter said. “Do you know why? Because they walk in the mosh pit and they get a fucking elbow to the head by a fucking idiot!”
Carter continued to call out the fan’s reaction before ordering him to leave the venue.
“You’re shaking your head like you’re a f*cking woman? Are you fucking stupid? It’s not your lived experience, so just shut the f*ck up!” Carter continued. “Do you know what, instead of crouching, just f*cking leave, bro! How is it so difficult for you to see space made for women at a Sex Pistols gig? Did you decide? No! They can’t f*cking do this whenever. Ask any one of them if they feel safe in every mosh pit! Roll your fucking eyes at me—you f*cking did this. You did this!”
Following the concert, Carter posted a message on social media to further explain his stance and address those who took issue with the women-only space.
“If you are a man who gets offended by a band making room for a female only moshpit then you are PART OF THE PROBLEM,” Carter wrote. “Stay home, read a book by Bell Hooks, come back when kindness, compassion and empathy have landed with you. Incels, homophobes, misogynists, racists, fascists not welcome.”
He also clarified that the space is intended to be fully trans-inclusive and safe for anyone who feels vulnerable.
“Also this isn’t up for debate. I don’t care for your pedantry. If it isn’t your lived experience, don’t f*cking speak on it,” Carter added. “If you are offended by being told something isn’t for you then imagine how it feels to be a woman in the current climate. And finally… When I say a Ladies only moshpit pit. I of course mean a trans inclusionary space. The space is for people who don’t usually feel safe… To dance and have fun without the worry of physical, sexual or psychological violence being used against them while they are vulnerable. DO NOT LET THEM DIVIDE US.”
Additionally, Carter shared an apology message he received from the father of the fan who was ejected from the Denver show.
“Frank – let me apologize that was my idiotic son who decided to make a stand last night in Denver about the women mosh pit,” the father wrote. “Wasn’t how he was raised, wasn’t what he was taught. His sisters learning of his stand are very upset w him as am I. Unfortunately this is what has happened in our country and the misinformation and poison that has been spewed into young and old people has infected and affected our country.”
This incident highlights ongoing discussions around safety and inclusivity at rock and punk concerts.
The confrontation took place during the band’s October 9 show at the Ogden Theatre in Denver, where Carter welcomed women into a reserved section of the pit before introducing the song “No Feelings.” The singer explained from the stage that the area was designed to give women a chance to mosh without being crowded, grabbed or intimidated by men, and security stepped in after a male attendee objected to the arrangement.
Carter’s position on the pit was not limited to the moment of the confrontation. The vocalist made clear that “ladies only” was never meant to exclude trans women, describing the zone as a trans-inclusive space open to anyone who does not normally feel safe in a mosh pit.
“Ladies if you’ve ever wanted to mosh or dance in a safe environment without getting an elbow to the fucking face,” Carter told the crowd while opening the pit.
The incident also sits within a broader chapter of the band’s recent history. The Sex Pistols’ surviving original members — guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock — regrouped with Frank Carter as lead vocalist in 2024, replacing John Lydon on the microphone. The collaboration began with benefit concerts at London’s Bush Hall before expanding into full touring.
