Lauryn Hill opens up about canceling US tour dates with the Fugees
Lauryn Hill is opening up about why the U.S. leg of her forthcoming The Celebration Continues: The Miseducation Anniversary Tour with the Fugees was canceled just days before it was set to kick off.
The "Doo Wop (That Thing)" singer shared a joint statement with the Fugees to Instagram on Aug. 7, writing, "With difficulty the decision was made to pull down our upcoming North American tour dates."
"Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows," Hill continued, likely referencing her vocal strain that led to show cancellations last year, before blaming "sensationalism and clickbait headlines" about this for having "seemingly created a narrative that has affected ticket sales for the North American portion of the tour."
"The trust and faith I have in my intentions and my commitment to my art seem to have been overshadowed by this unfortunate portrayal," she said.
Hill later added, "Performing for my fans, is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time. Every show is a piece of my expression and testament to our connection and shared love for music. I can assure you that no one is more disappointed about not being able to perform than I am."
"Know that I am not only grateful for those who appreciate and support my art, but that I FIGHT and push through all kinds of resistance to put together experiences that mean something for all of us," she continued. "I love being able to bring these performances to you!"
Despite the cancellations, Hill confirmed in her statement that the tour dates in the United Kingdom and Europe "ARE MOVING FORWARD as planned" and that she and the Fugees are "looking forward" to those shows.
For her fans in the U.S., Hill concluded her statement by writing that "when these unforeseen circumstances are resolved, we'll be back in full force."
Hill's U.S. tour dates with the Fugees were set to begin Aug. 9.
Earlier this week, a cancellation notice was shared on U.S. tour dates for The Celebration Continues: The Miseducation Anniversary Tour on the Live Nation website.
A message on Live Nation's website for the canceled U.S. dates reads: "Event Canceled."
"Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event," the message continues. "You don't need to do a thing. We'll issue a refund to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, as soon as funds are received from the Event Organizer. It should appear on your account within 14-21 days."
"Good Morning America" has reached out to Live Nation for comment.
Hill was set to reunite with the Fugees on a co-headlining extension of her Miseducation Anniversary Tour celebrating her landmark 1998 album, for which she won the Grammy for album of the year.
The U.S. leg of the tour was set to kick off Aug. 9 in Tampa, Florida, with 18 total dates scheduled across the country, through Sept. 21 in Holmdel, New Jersey. All U.S. dates have been removed from Live Nation's website.
Tour dates for shows overseas are still showing on Live Nation's website.
