Anita Baker Proceeds Solo on The Songstress Tour, Removes Babyface as Opening Act
Anita Baker, the renowned 65-year-old singer, took to Twitter on Wednesday to announce a significant change to her ongoing tour, The Songstress Tour. In her tweet, she revealed that she will continue the tour without her opening act, Babyface. The decision comes after enduring cyberbullying, verbal abuse, and threats of violence from a segment of Babyface’s fan base.
Baker’s priority is her personal safety, and she made the difficult choice to proceed alone on the tour. She assured her fans that appropriate refunds would be provided. Babyface, upon learning of his removal from the tour, expressed his sadness in a statement to ET. He acknowledged the unfortunate turn of events that unfolded on social media and conveyed his love, respect, and well wishes for Anita Baker as she continues her tour.
The unfolding drama began last month when Babyface, also known as Kenneth Edmonds, faced technical difficulties that caused a delay in Baker’s New Jersey concert. As a result, Babyface was unable to take the stage as scheduled.
#AnitaBaker After Silently, Enduring Cyber Bulling/Verbal Abuse & 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🎁
ABXO🎼 pic.twitter.com/P7OzVdiEPm— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) June 13, 2023
Expressing his apologies to his fans, Babyface took to Twitter to address the situation. He conveyed his regret to those who were eagerly anticipating their performance that evening at @PruCenter. Babyface explained that he had been requested not to perform in order to allow Ms. Baker to have ample space and time to deliver her complete show. Both he and his band felt deeply saddened by the missed opportunity to perform for their devoted audience that night.
Following the incident, Baker responded to claims made by Babyface’s fans, who accused her of cyberbullying and alleged that he was a co-headliner for the tour. Baker took to Twitter to address these assertions and set the record straight.
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…
— Babyface (@babyface) May 11, 2023
In her tweet, Baker expressed that the notion of Babyface being a co-headliner was a false narrative that was leading to unrealistic expectations and aggressive behavior from his fans toward her. She emphasized that Babyface should be the one to share the truth with his supporters.
Baker further addressed the specific situation at the New Jersey concert. She clarified that Live Nation had assumed full responsibility for the technical difficulties that occurred. Despite the challenges, Baker went on stage at the scheduled time and fulfilled her performance duties without the benefit of a complete production.
In a subsequent tweet, Baker provided more context, stating that it was already 9:30 pm, well beyond the expected time for the headline performer to take the stage. She highlighted that the support act, not being under her contractual obligations, did not perform. Baker emphasized that she fulfilled her contractual obligations as the headline performer of a sold-out concert, and she executed her role with love and dedication.
It was 9:30pm.
*Contractually?…
It was WAAAY Past time 4 the Headline Performer, to be On Stage/Anita Baker
Support Act ❤️did Not Perform.
I have No Contract with Support Act❤️Not my Call
I Did what i was *Contracted 2 do & Love, as Headline Performer, of my Sold Out Concert pic.twitter.com/es6PJGNOmz— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) June 11, 2023
Following her previous statements, Baker appeared to directly address Babyface and his fans. She expressed the importance of speaking up and correcting misinformation when a friend is being attacked. Baker emphasized the significance of reputation, peace, and safety.
Baker went on to refer to Babyface’s fans as “Kenny’s Crazies” and claimed that they were continuing to harass her regarding the situation. She urged Babyface to intervene and ask his fans to cease their behavior. Baker highlighted that she had only shown kindness and support towards him as the special guest on her tour.
Continuing her series of tweets, Baker accused Babyface’s fans of gaslighting her own fans. She alleged that their actions were an attempt to undermine and sabotage the tour because Babyface couldn’t take control. Baker referred to Babyface as a “crazy narcissist” and requested him to intervene and address his supporters’ behavior.
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