Lauryn Hill speaks out on ‘Essence’ Fest, reputation for tardiness
Written by ABC Audio ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on July 9, 2025
Lauryn Hill is thanking the Essence Festival of Culture following reports of a late start to her recent headlining set. In a statement shared to social media Tuesday, she expressed her appreciation for the organizers, who clarified that “the delays were not [her] fault.”
Lauryn explained that she’s hands-on when putting her shows together and set the record straight on yearslong rumors of her tardiness.
“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,” she wrote. “That’s nonsense… and anyone who’s been a part of these productions knows that IN FACT the opposite is true.”
Lauryn said this isn’t the first time production delayed her performance, but it’s the first time a promoter took accountability for the mishap. She added she will no longer “allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone, when they aren’t.”
Lauryn then shared a message of gratitude to those who waited for her performance, writing, “Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us.”
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