11:13 AM PT -- Clayton posted a couple of videos on Twitter responding to the support -- and some backlash -- he's received from this incident. For starters, Clayton says the woman sent him a lengthy apology, and he's accepted her apology.
He tweeted, "I really appreciate the kind words and support. I'm praying that I don't get sick and can see my daughter next week! Let moments like this bring us together...not rip us apart. Be kind to one another. Stay safe & healthy."
An alleged fan had the audacity to get on stage and apparently cough on country singer Clayton Gardner ... who recoiled, and then shamed her into getting the hell away from him.
The incident went down during Clayton's weekend gig at Texican Court in Irving, TX ... where he was barely 15 minutes into his set when this woman got on stage to request a song. Gardner, who was live streaming his show, was clearly rankled by the woman who refused to social distance.
Check out the video ... you can hear the Texas native tell the woman she could have made the request from 7-feet away. Then, she appears to cough on his face covering ... a red bandana. After the show, Gardner explained on Facebook, "I handled it with class and as much patience as I could."
He added, "I have practiced very safe hygiene and socially distanced myself from the start of Covid to protect my 3 year old daughter. In a matter of seconds this lady took that away from me. I was honestly shocked and pretty defenseless sitting there holding my guitar. The audience was equally as shocked. I’m outraged by her behavior and the behavior of many others in our world today."
He also said he's sharing this video "so you'll know there are actually people like this in our world. I'll let the video speak for itself. And yes.. I hope you share the hell out of it."
It's unclear if the woman has been identified.
Originally Published -- 8:31 AM PT