Twitter has been quick to respond to disturbing footage which emerged in the aftermath of Harry Styles' recent performance at the Hollywood Bowl.

The clip, which shows the 23-year old within arms reach of his audience, has caused a wave of outrage online after it was established that a fan groped Harry's crotch 

The singer abruptly returned to the centre of the stage after a sea of hands rushed out to the touch him, and many of his fans and followers have been quick to condemn the actions of those involved.

With the help of the #RespectHarry hashtag, social media users have discussed the double standards at play by those who have dismissed the incident.

"No one should be ever be touched in a sexual way without consent, no one. I’m deeply sorry that happened," wrote one member of the public.

"This is so disrespectful! You have absolutely no right to call yourself a 'fan' after this, it's so messed up," added another.

Women need to be treated with respect. Same for men. How disrespectful is it when girls grab a guy in his crotch. #RespectHarry

— Mirosu (@_Mirosu_) October 23, 2017

#RespectHarry This is absolutely disgusting. Harry is a human being too! Doing this to him is as if you walked up to a stranger and did that

— Morgan Kelly (@morgzz1727) October 23, 2017

It’s sad that we still have to do these trends cause people still can’t respect Harry. Call this what it is. Sexual assault #RespectHarry

— nocontrolprojec (@NoControlProjec) October 22, 2017

I am absolutely disgusted by what happened. I hope people know that REAL fans would never doing anything like that. #RespectHarry

— adrienne(@egginmycrocs_) October 22, 2017

PSA: if you ever get the opportunity of see a artist in front row, do not think it’s okay to sexual assault then. #RespectHarry

— valeria (@harrylava21) October 22, 2017

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