Lauryn Hill blames “sensationalism and clickbait” for cancellation of Fugees tour

Lauryn Hill has released a statement regarding the last-minute cancellation of Fugees North American tour, which had been scheduled to start tomorrow (August 9).

In the statement posted on Instagram yesterday (August 7), Hill blamed "sensationalism and clickbait headlines," for low ticket sales.

The 18-date "Miseducation Anniversary Tour" was cancelled late on Tuesday evening (August 6), just three days before it was due to start in Tampa, Florida.

The Guardian reports that ticket holders were given no reason as to why the tour had been cancelled, simply receiving an unexpected email from Ticketmaster saying that the event would not be going ahead and that a refund was on its way to their account.

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“Last year, I faced an injury that necessitated the rescheduling of some of my shows," Hill said in her statement. "Regrettably, some media outlets’ penchant for sensationalism and clickbait headlines have 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.”

In the post, Hill expressed that the decision was difficult and that “no one is more disappointed” than she is. “Performing for my fans is a profound exchange of energy and emotion that excites me every time,” she said.

“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.”

But Hill’s frequent cancellations and rescheduling of the tour have sparked disappointment amongst fans. One took to X, writing: “ITS (sic) SO DISHEARTENING BEING A FAN OF LAURYN HILL”, and that, while they still love her, she needs to “DO BETTER”.

Meanwhile, some onlookers suggested that ticket holders should not be so surprised by the latest cancellation. “If you bought tickets to a Lauryn Hill show in 2024, you deserve everything that happened to you,” said one user.

“I want somebody to believe in me the way Lauryn Hill ticket holders believe they'll get to see her perform.” joked another.

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The reunion tour was initially announced in 2021 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the group’s internationally acclaimed album ‘The Score’. But, after performing just one show (the first time Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel had played together in 15 years), the tour had to be postponed due to COVID.

When the dates were eventually picked up again last year, with the tour re-framed as celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hill’s solo album ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, the shows were generally a success, with Variety naming their performance at L.A.’s Forum one of 2023’s best concerts.

However, as Hill noted in her recent statement, the artist had to pull out of the remaining dates part-way through the tour, due to vocal strain.

“I made it through each show by taking prescribed prednisone, but this can be detrimental to the body when taken in large amounts over long periods of time. In order to prevent any long-term negative affect on my voice and my body, I need to take time off to allow for real vocal recovery so that I can discontinue the medication completely.” Hill explained at the time, assuring that the tour would resume again in 2024.

The rescheduled dates were set to go ahead across August and September this year, until the last-minute cancellation on Tuesday evening.

While all the North American dates have been cancelled, including shows in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles, Hill has said that the European leg will be “MOVING FORWARD as planned”, with tickets currently available via Ticketmaster – although it wouldn’t be unreasonable to assume that some fans may be hesitant to buy them.

Meena Sears is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Instagram