Following “verbal abuse and threats of violence” from his fans, Anita Baker has pulled Babyface as her supporting act.
After claiming to have received hate from the 64-year-old R&B star’s following, the now 65-year-old songstress has opted to continue her ‘Songstress Tour’ on her own.
Last month, Baker took to social media and accused Babyface (born Kenneth Brian Edmonds) of making his fans believe he was the co-headliner of the tour, writing “He should tell you guys, the Truth.”
On May 10, after Babyface’s set at New Jersey’s Prudential Centre was cancelled in order to allow Anita enough time to finish her set, he tweeted: “I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at @PruCenter.” “I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety. My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.”
Baker has called out the alleged abuse and confirmed that she will no longer be joined by Babyface for the rest of the leg of the tour, tweeting “After Silently, Enduring Cyber Bulling/Verbal Abuse and Threats of Violence from the Fan Base, of Our Special Guest/Support Act. In the Interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, ‘The Songstress Tour,’ alone. Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings. (sic)”
In a statement sent by his representative to Variety, Babyface responded: “I am saddened by the news that Anita Baker has decided to remove me from ‘The Songstress Tour.’ It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media. While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love and respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.”
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: MC2 Erica R. Gardner, USN – Public Domain