Lauryn Hill faced heated criticism after taking to the stage at Essence Festival at 2:30 A.M. in New Orleans, but the organizers have made it clear the delay wasn’t on her. Essence Fest officials jumped to her defense after backlash surfaced online about the late start time, posting a clear message on Instagram: “Family is […]
Lauryn Hill faced heated criticism after taking to the stage at Essence Festival at 2:30 A.M. in New Orleans, but the organizers have made it clear the delay wasn’t on her.
Essence Fest officials jumped to her defense after backlash surfaced online about the late start time, posting a clear message on Instagram: “Family is family and around here we protect our own no matter what the PEOPLE have to say. Let’s be very clear— WE don’t play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines.”
According to the organizers, Hill showed up on time and was ready to go. “She arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We will take that.”
The festival’s statement continued with a clear message to critics: “The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them.”
It ended with, “All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill.”
The Grammy-winning artist performed to a mostly empty stadium due to the late hour, but those who stayed praised her commitment.
Many pointed out that despite her reputation for tardiness, this time the holdup wasn’t hers.
India.Arie also chimed in on Instagram, saying, “And OUR LAURYN deserves SO much better. she deserves everything in fact. Essence was ALWAYS really, really a beautiful time.”
Other artists backed the sentiment. Fellow Essence Fest performers Erykah Badu gave the post a nod of approval, while Jill Scott simply wrote, “Very good.”
Lauryn Hill has long been known for starting shows late or canceling them altogether. That history has caused some to skip her concerts, while others continue to support her no matter what.
Related
