R Kelly pulls out of Arizona gig at the last minute following pay dispute

Fans react angrily despite singer issuing onstage apology

R Kelly pulled out of a concert in Arizona over the weekend after promoters allegedly failed to pay the R&B singer.

He was set to headline Soulfest AZ on Saturday (April 25) in Tolleson, but 20 minutes before the show was due to come to a close, his manager came out to tell his fans he would not be performing.

The singer also sent a video message apologising for his withdrawal from the gig. You can watch the clip below.

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He said: “I’m right here in Arizona right now. Big ups to all my Arizona fans out here waiting on Kellz. But I got to let y’all know, unfortunately, I’m not gonna be able to perform even though I’m right here in my trailer and I’m ready to go on stage.

“But I just got bad news that my management never told me, that they did not give me my money. I haven’t gotten no money for doing this show.

“They told me they had the money, so when I got here, the money wasn’t here. So it’s nothing personal against my fans. This is business, y’all. And I hope y’all understand. You know, when they get the money up and they are ready to do business and do business correct, R. Kelly will be back here in Arizona to give y’all the best show you ever seen in your life. I love y’all and once again I’m sorry.”

Despite his apology, many fans reacted angrily. Some gig-goers even threw plastic chairs at the stage when Kelly’s manager made the announcement. You can watch footage below.

Many others also took to social media sites to complain.

Last year, Kelly was dropped as the headliner of a festival in Ohio following complaints.

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The R&B singer was due to perform at the Fashion Meets Music festival last August but organisers decided to cancel the appearance following concerns from a number of people, including fans, other artists and commercial sponsors over scandals and criminal trials in his past.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7RNQL_AHko

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