After allegedly receiving “verbal abuse and threats of violence” from Babyface’s supporters, Anita Baker has removed Babyface from her support act lineup.
The 65-year-old soul singer, who claims to have encountered hostility from the 64-year-old R&B star’s fan base, has decided to carry on with her “Songstress Tour” alone.
Anita charged Babyface, whose actual name is Kenneth Brian Edmonds, with misleading his followers into thinking he was a co-headliner of the tour last month.
She wrote: “He should tell you guys, the Truth.”
Babyface’s performance at the Prudential Centre in New Jersey on May 10 was postponed so that Anita would have enough time to complete her act.
Babyface 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.”
The ‘Sweet Love’ hitmaker has already condemned the alleged assault and said that Babyface will no longer be performing with her for the remainder of the tour.
She tweeted: “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)”
#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
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.”
