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Rape alleged at Keith Urban concert while onlookers videotaped

MANSFIELD, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) – A Keith Urban concert held at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield Saturday night led to an arrest after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped on the lawn section while onlookers used their cell phones to videotape the incident.

Sean Murphy, 18, of Boston, pleaded innocent to rape and claims that his interaction with the girl was consensual.

According to the police, the only thing known for sure is that both Murphy and the girl had been drinking during the show.

The disclosure in court of the rape allegations came after police and fire officials reported that in the span of roughly three hours, 46 people were evaluated for medical issues and 22 people were taken to the hospital, mostly for alcohol-related issues. Approximately 18,000 people attended the country music singer's concert, according to Live Nation, the entertainment company in charge of the event. In addition to people who needed to be transported to the hospital for alcohol-related issues, more than 50 people were taken into protective custody due to intoxication, and a "number of others" were arrested for alcohol-related issues.

Murphy was hanging out with the girl and the pair began kissing when, according to the police report, Murphy led the girl away from her two friends to the back section of the outdoor amphitheater known as the lawn. Police say the girl did not tell Murphy "no" when he moved her away from friends because she was scared.

Then, the police report states that Murphy removed the girl's shorts and underwear and began having sex with her. The incident reportedly lasted a minute or less and about 15 gathered around them to record what was happening and take pictures.

FOX 25's Ted Daniel spoke to a witness, who asked not to be identified, via phone.

"My friend told me to look over there and there was a couple on the ground having intercourse. So we looked at it, and we took pictures and we thought it was consensual," she said.

Several other witnesses also believed the sex to be consensual, until Murphy allegedly left the teen alone, naked from the waist down.

One woman asked the girl, "Do you want this?"

When the girl said no, police were summoned. Witnesses identified Murphy, the venue exits were sealed, and he was found and arrested.

During questioning Murphy admitted to being drunk on Jack Daniels and beer. The police report says while phoning his parents, he was overheard saying he "messed up."

Murphy’s lawyer disputed the allegations during the bail hearing, and released the following statement Tuesday night: "Put simply, this was a consensual act, not a sexual assault. There are no allegations of force or violence against him. This was a private act that regrettably occurred in a public place. My. Murphy deeply regrets this incident and I am sure the young woman does as well. The young woman was neither intoxicated nor overcome by drugs at the time. My. Murphy has no criminal history whatsoever."

Murphy was expected to post $10,000 cash bail and is due back in court September 25.