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Viral Video Leads School to Repay Chicago Street Performer After Tip Box Theft

The response stresses restitution over punishment.

Overview

  • Andrew David, performing at State and Madison on Monday, saw a teen grab his tip box holding roughly $100 as a bystander later returned the box without the cash.
  • Video he recorded on an iPad helped identify the person as a student from nearby Innovations High School after the clip spread widely online.
  • The principal and the student's mother apologized to David, and the school reimbursed him for the loss with an amount he said was more than the tips taken.
  • David chose not to file a police report and said he wants the incident to be a learning moment for the student rather than a case for prosecutors.
  • After the video drew attention, strangers sent donations through Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle, reflecting community support for the singer who has performed in Chicago for nearly a decade.