If you’ve been on TikTok at all lately, you may have seen some videos from Harry Styles’ Love On Tour concerts (and gotten major FOMO like I have). For the last few months, my FYP has been flooded with videos of Harry singing, dancing, and chatting with fans on the European leg of his world tour. From what I can tell, the concerts are all fun and games — except for one part, causing controversy and hilarious reactions from even Harry himself.

During the bridge of Harry’s chart-topper “As It Was,” European fans began screaming the line, “Leave America” at the top of their lungs. The aim is to send a dire message to Harry to stop spending so much time in the United States and return to the UK. Even those who live far away from the UK — like my fellow Canadians — have begun to shout as loudly as they can at every concert, emphasizing the message even further.

Videos of the live “Leave America” line only gained popularity after the first two American shows, which took place in New York at Madison Square Garden. Millions of people — including Harry himself — were eager to see how the line would sound in the US. And for the first time on the tour, New York fans went quiet when Harry sang the line “leave America,” refuting the statement made by international fans.

Didn’t think this much beef could result from something as simple as fans singing a line of a song? Me neither — but it only gets more interesting.

So, why is this Harry Styles “Leave America” debate even happening?

Well, it’s primarily because fans feel upset by the smaller proportion of shows Harry plays in other countries versus the US. But the message can also go deeper than that — for some, it’s also a social and political statement on how regressive America is becoming, making it a less favorable place for Harry to live.

The “Leave America” joke started during Harry’s UK shows, and has since gone viral on social media — making people from other countries follow their lead. It’s caused some debate and drama between fans, some arguing against those who scream the line and others saying it’s just a joke. And given that Harry finds the statement funny, I think it’s about time fans did too.

Americans can deny it all they want, but there’s a lot to admire about the “leave America” trend. For one, fans have gotten to interact directly with the performer, surprising him and sending a message. Emphasizing this line is a creative, smart, and hilarious way for fans to express their beliefs and display their care for both their own country and Harry.

And if that isn’t enough, what was meant to be a short, funny statement at one concert has turned into a cause banding fans together across the world. Sure, maybe they’re also banding against America in a way, but don’t take it too seriously. Just do what everyone else — including Harry — is doing, and laugh at this harmless, fun joke.

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