Lauryn Hill is speaking out after some internet users believed she was late for her recent performance at Essence Fest.
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Lauryn Hill Speaks Out After Some Internet Users Believed She Was Late For Recent Performance At Essence Fest
On Tuesday, July 8, Hill took to Instagram to share a text post with a statement for her more than 1.4 million followers. In the post, Hill thanked Essence for “clarifying that the delays” were not her fault. Furthermore, she went on to say that she is involved in every aspect of her shows. In addition, she said that puts forth that involvement to protect the “integrity” of her “message.” And “the quality” of what she does.
“…There seems to be a misconception out there that I am somewhere on the Rivera with my feet up… showing up to concerts whenever because I’m too important to care. That’s nonsense,” she said in part. “…this is not the first time production delays have delayed my performances. This IS however the first time a promoter has acknowleged the slip up on their end (thank you Essence!) and this is the last time I’ll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone, when they aren’t.”
Furthermore, Hill went on to acknowledge those who’ve decided to no longer extend her grace.
“I’m okay with that because it’s not your grace that sustains me,” she added.
Then, she went on to urge the media to be sure to fact-check their publications. Lastly, the singer concluded by thanking those who rocked out with her “despite the late start.”
Swipe below to read her full statement.
Essence Previously Released A Statement On The Matter
Lauryn Hill’s statement arrived a day after Essence took to its official Instagram account to address the misconception of the singer’s tardiness. On Monday, July 7, Essence shared a post. Furthermore, it asserted that 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. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them. All love and deep profound admiration for Ms. Lauryn Hill,” the company added.
Peep their post below.
Here’s Why Some Internet Users Believed Lauryn Hill Was Late For Essence Fest Performance
As The Shade Room previously reported, commentary about Lauryn Hill allegedly arriving late to her performances has been swirling online for some years. In November 2023, Hill addressed her alleged tardiness during her 25th anniversary tour for her debut album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,’ per The Shade Room.
“They hate that she’s late. She’s late… Yo, y’all are lucky that I make it on this… stage every night!” she said at the time.
Then, over the weekend, Hill was anticipated as a performer at the recent 2025 Essence Fest. Despite being scheduled to take the stage on Saturday, July 5, at 12:35 a.m., she reportedly took the stage around 2:35 a.m. Subsequently, social media users criticized Hill for her perceived tardiness, uninformed that the performers ahead of her also had their performances delayed due to production hiccups.
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