Babyface’s fans are 38-hot and demanding refunds after they attended Anita Baker’s concert in New Jersey, which started two hours late and didn’t have its opener.
The “Sorry for the Stupid Things” singer took to Twitter to explain to fans that Baker asked him and his band not to open the show.
“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at
@PruCenter,” the tweet read. “I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety. My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all tonight.”
Concertgoers sounded off, expressing their disappointment and demanding a refund.
🗣️Boooooooo @babyface #anitabaker refund everyone who came out, flights, hotels, rentals to see you and no show because of “technical difficulties” pic.twitter.com/RAyOfLJQC1
— Prettyuhmazing (@prettyuhmazing) May 11, 2023
I was there. This is a total disgrace! @ticketmaster isn’t answering the 1800 number and I want a full refund! I’ve never had a worse live experience in my life!
— Allison (@Allison11590) May 11, 2023
I really believe Anita should refund us our money. When everyone started walking out after she said she would sing Angel, she made a smart remark about refunds 🫥
— ♋️ (@Sportyx3) May 11, 2023
I was at the Anita Baker, Babyface show. Over 2-hr wait & a Babyface cancellation. I dont know who is at fault but @Ticketmaster needs to offer partial refunds. People using canes/wheelchairs were waiting in the lobby for 90 min cuz they wouldnt let us to our seats. Not cool.
— Clay ‘Critical Thinking Theory’ Cane (@claycane) May 11, 2023
According to Baker and a concert staff member named “Jay,” “technical difficulties” caused the two-hour delay. However, both of them failed to mention anything about Babyface.
the TECH/Video Wall/Glitched. 😩Caused a Delay. Live Nation/Producers took responsibility🙏🏾… I/We/Us went Onstage, ANYway. Late… but, Love PREVAILED❤️#AnitaBaker https://t.co/u6uwBhw9Mj
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) May 11, 2023
Others tweeted that Baker was to blame for the delay due to her allegedly known “unprofessionalism.”
the TECH/Video Wall/Glitched. 😩Caused a Delay. Live Nation/Producers took responsibility🙏🏾… I/We/Us went Onstage, ANYway. Late… but, Love PREVAILED❤️#AnitaBaker https://t.co/u6uwBhw9Mj
— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) May 11, 2023
Listen. Anita Baker is one of the greats, no question. But those that know, know. This isn’t the first time she’s been called out for a lack of professionalism. Far from it.
— Church Gworl 🙏🏾🧖🏾♀️ (@_JordansLyric) May 11, 2023
Anita Baker needs to stop having Co-headliners if she going to continue to act this way. She did this a while back with Maxwell.
— Anthony Tilghman (@AnthonyTilghman) May 11, 2023
The tea got hotter when The Wiz star Stephanie Mills seemingly took a jab at the “No One in the World” singer, blaming it on her.
“We have got to be better than this! I am saddened by the fact that you have to make this statement. One would think as older artists who are considered “Iconic” and or “Legendary” we would treat each other with respect and dignity. @Babyface We can tour together,” Mills’ comment read.
We have got to be better than this! I am saddened by the fact that you have to make this statement. One would think as older artist who are considered “Iconic” and or “Legendary” we would treat each other with respect and dignity. @Babyface We can tour together 💜💜
— Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) May 11, 2023
Mills isn’t the only celebrity to call out Ms. Baker for her “unprofessionalism.” On time, Disney actress China Anne McClain called her out for disrespecting her mother.
China Anne McClain calls out R&B singer Anita Baker for “yelling” at her mom. pic.twitter.com/w42GzlRFeR
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) April 20, 2018