Television presenter Mario Lopez has faced social media backlash after taking his 16-year-old daughter Gia to an X-rated Usher and Chris Brown concert in Los Angeles.
The 52-year-old Saved by the Bell alum accompanied his eldest daughter to the singers' recent performance for what he described as a "dad-daughter date night." Lopez, who is currently mourning the loss of his co-star Dennis Haskins, shared video footage on Instagram of a bonding moment between him and Gia as 47-year-old Usher crooned his 1997 hit song "Nice & Slow."
Lopez, who hosts the radio show ON with Mario Lopez alongside his wife Courtney Lopez, captioned the social media clip: "Dad-daughter date night, round 2: Usher & Chris Brown! Had a blast with my Gigi… even if I embarrassed her a little."
Lopez rose to fame playing high school athlete A.C. Slater on the iconic 1990s NBC teen sitcom Saved by the Bell, starring alongside Haskins, who played principal Richard Belding. Over the decades, Lopez has established himself as a prominent television personality, entertainment news host, and radio presenter. The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for Lopez for comment regarding the reaction online.
Social media reactions to the concert
Following the post, social media users quickly flooded the comments to express shock at the choice of venue and performance for a teenager. One follower wrote: "Ain't no way I'd be singing that song with my daddy on my arm," before adding, "Glad y'all had fun."
Another social media user noted the adult themes present throughout the show, adding: "You're brave because most of that concert is X-rated, lol."
A fellow parent joined the conversation to share that she had also taken her 16-year-old child to the risqué show. "Now Mario, I took my 16yr old son and was directly in front of Usher's section and umm, my son saw everything but a t*t and a cl*t, so how y'all do?" the commenter hilariously asked.
Lopez replied directly to the mother's comment, writing, "Oh, I know exactly how you felt," alongside a crying-laughing emoji.
Debate over adult themes and stage performances
The concert featured provocative stage routines and suggestive choreography characteristic of the two R&B headliners. Usher, a Grammy-winning performer known for chart-topping hits across several decades, and Chris Brown, a prominent R&B singer renowned for complex dance routines, regularly include adult-oriented numbers in their tour sets.
Another follower observed that there were "definitely some parts that you had to cover her eyes" during the event. A different commenter pointed to the artists' suggestive dance moves, simply stating: "Idk with all that humping."
Another social media user expressed personal hesitation about attending such a show with a parent, weighing in: "I wouldn't want to go to a Chris Brown concert with my dad, but that's just me. lol just because of the songs and stuff."
Support from fans and active parenting praise
Despite the criticism surrounding the concert's adult themes, numerous fans stepped forward to defend Lopez and commended his commitment as an active father creating lasting memories with his daughter.
One fan gushed in the comments section: "You're an amazing dad. She's going to grow up and remember you being an active dad in her life. Those memories with you will be what she will tell her future children."
Another follower echoed that supportive sentiment, writing: "We need more Mario dads in this world. The kind who show up, stay present."
Family getaway and sweet 16 celebrations
Gia also shared outtakes from the show on her own Instagram account, captioning her post: "keeping it breezy in LA #chrisbrown #usher #snoop #rnbtour."
Prior to attending the concert, the Lopez family enjoyed a vacation in Costa Rica, a Central American nation known for its tropical rainforests and beaches. Upon returning to California, Lopez took his daughter to a themed event called "Yee Haw Boots & Bows" before heading to the concert later that evening.
Lopez shared photos with the high schooler from their busy weekend, captioning the post: "Got back from Costa Rica just in time for 'Yee Haw Boots & Bows' with my favorite cowgirl… Later tonight, dad-daughter date round 2: Usher & Chris Brown! Gia may regret giving me two chances to embarrass her in one weekend… #DadDaughterDate #BootsAndBows."
The weekend outings came shortly after Gia celebrated her 16th birthday earlier in the month. Lopez paid tribute to his eldest child on Instagram, writing: "Happy Sweet 16 to my beautiful Gigi! Watching you grow into the smart, kind, funny & strong young woman you are has been one of my greatest blessings. I couldn't be prouder of you mija. You'll always be Daddy's little girl… even if you're officially old enough to drive away from me now."
Lopez shares Gia, as well as sons Dominic, 13, and Santino, seven, with his wife Courtney, whom he wed nearly 14 years ago. Gia served as the flower girl at their wedding when she was two years old.
