Lauryn Hill is hitting back at criticism after her delayed Essence Fest set with a lengthy statement following her late-night performance.
Lauryn Hill addressed criticism over her late-night Essence Festival performance by setting the record straight about her commitment to her craft and her audience.
The Grammy-winning artist hit the stage at 2:30 a.m. on Saturday (July 5) in New Orleans, nearly two hours behind schedule due to earlier delays. The late start left the Caesars Superdome with a noticeably thinned-out crowd, prompting online backlash and accusations that Hill was once again tardy by choice.
By Tuesday (July 8), Hill responded directly to the chatter, making it clear the holdup wasn’t on her. “Thank you to Essence Fest for clarifying that the delays were not my fault,” she wrote in a statement posted to social media.
She continued, “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.”
Hill emphasized that her role goes far beyond just showing up and singing. “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,” she wrote.
Lauryn Hill Addresses “Misconceptions”
The singer also pushed back against the idea that she’s indifferent about punctuality or her audience. “I don’t show up late to shows because I don’t care. And I have nothing but love and respect for my fans,” she said. “The challenge is aligning my energy with the time, taking something that isn’t easily classified or contained, and trying to make it available for others.”
She added, “There seems to be a misconception out there that I am somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand, showing up to concerts whenever because I’m 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.”
Hill also thanked those who stuck around into the early hours to watch her perform. Her set wrapped at 3:37 a.m.
Essence Festival organizers issued a statement on Monday (July 7) taking responsibility for the delays and defending Hill’s professionalism.
