Lauryn Hill speaks on the delays that caused her to play to a near-empty stadium at 2.30am in New Orleans
The 50-year-old singer, who got on stage at 2.30am to put on a show to a thinned-out audience in New Orleans' Caesars Superdome, was a late addition to the line-up and she was originally scheduled to close out the night hours earlier than she did.
The entire night was delayed due to multiple late starts from earlier performers, which culminated in Hill being held up.
Performance delays: Lauryn Hill issued a statement spelling out the reasons behind her hitting the stage at 2.30am for her time at Essence Festival Of Culture on July 4
Videos of the Superdome, which has an official capacity of 83,000, showed the practically empty space as Hill performed into the early hours of the morning.
While many fans bashed the singer for the late start, especially regarding her history of late performances, Essence Fest also issued a statement on Sunday where it took responsibility for the delay.
The event said: '[Hill] 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 moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched.'
Hill said: 'Thank you Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault. Family, let me address a few things.
'I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows, because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do.
'And for this reason: I rehearse and arrange the music diligently with my band. I am involved in every aspect of design, preparation and production of my shows while also being a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community.
'While some get to focus on a single discipline or category, my role requires that I have eyes everywhere and contribute to most if not every department and more.
'I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love and great passion for me to be able to perform meaningful music for my audience.'
The news of Hill's delayed set was met with much ridicule online, and fans cited numerous performances she'd been several hours late for, which she also addressed.
Hill said on Instagram: 'There seems to be a misconception out there though that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I am too important to care. That's nonsense... and anyone who's been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true.
'Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, to the shallow, to the controlled, and to the intentionally limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so. We are here, pushing through the resistance.'
Hill continued: 'Ask yourself how and why I'm still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it!
'I'm often quiet, knowing full well that God fights my battles, but this is not the first time production delays have delayed my performance.'
'This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip up on their end, (thank you Essence!) and this will be the last time I'll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone when they aren't.'
The singer then seemed to aim at haters: 'Those of you who can no longer extend me grace, I'm OK with that, because it's not your grace that sustains me. It's God's grace that sustains me and the love of fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most and KNOW that I was probably being punished for being so honest in the midst of big business.
'I will continue to push and play for these and other similar reasons. Those who can't see it yet, catch you when you do.'
The singer also addressed the press: 'Media, fact-check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there - there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts.
'Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us. Family, always remember: what the enemy means for evil God will turn around for good! Respectfully, MLH.'
Hill also shared a number of pictures of herself performing at the Superdome and a few of the fans in attendance as well as those for her set.
Nola News shared video from the sparse Superdome with Hill on stage.
In the past, the singer's developed a reputation for going on stage much later than she's originally scheduled to, which many fans mentioned on social media.
One said: 'Lauryn Hill is a scam artist and I don't know why y'all keep supporting her.'
Another retweeted a message about the late ending with: 'Stop. Booking. Her.'
Others defended Hill by clarifying what actually happened.
So much to say: X was filled with messages from the star's ardent fans and haters
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