Rapper DaBaby’s show set to take place in New Orleans was recently canceled, possibly due to the low ticket sales recorded. The rapper has been in several controversies over the past months dating back to his Rolling Loud Miami festival speech in 2021.
The 30-year-old made homophobic and misogynistic comments but apologized for it after online backlash from fans and business partners. He was also previously caught on video attempting to force an uninterested fan to kiss him.
Although the rapper’s New Orleans show was declared canceled on the Ticketmaster site, the show organizers claimed it was merely postponed, and some adjustments would be made before the new date gets unveiled.
DaBaby’s Show Was Canceled
DaBaby’s show at the Smoothie King Arena in New Orleans was reportedly canceled. The concert was slated for Friday, September 2; however, on Tuesday, it was announced that he would no longer perform due to the low amount recorded in ticket sales for the event.
The news was revealed on Tuesday when the concert’s Ticketmaster listing was deactivated. The site displayed, “Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event.” The page also disclosed that refunds for fans that had purchased the tickets would be doled out through the channel it was paid for within 30 days.
Before the recent development, Nola.com revealed that the show recorded lower than 500 tickets purchased for the 14,000 holding capacity venue. The ticket reportedly cost $35 for each concertgoer.
Organizers Say The Show Has Been Postponed
Despite Ticketmaster saying the show was canceled, the concert promoters claimed it was merely moved. They revealed that they were working on a new date, most likely a new venue and a star-studded list of performers that could still include DaBaby.
Euell Sylvester, also known as 7th Ward Shorty and Greg Pulver, spoke concerning the concert, revealing that the Friday performance was moved due to “a number of business reasons.” Pulver added, “We decided to postpone, and that was in our best interest.”
Regarding the low number of ticket purchases shown on the Ticketmaster site, DaBaby’s booking agency representative, Major Artist Concerts (MAC), claimed that the site was incorrect in the number presented.
The MAC CEO Andrew Lieber disputed the assumption that low ticket sales led to the show cancellation and said more tickets were sold compared to what the sites displayed.
The Organizers Were Accused Of Breach Of Contract
Lieber also claimed (per Nola) that it was their decision to withdraw from the event. He claimed the show promoters were allegedly unable to comply with the terms of the contract. Lieber released a statement email that read, “DaBaby’s New Orleans show was pulled by the artist’s team due to the promoter being in breach of contract. DaBaby will be back in New Orleans very soon to make it up to his fans.”
Pulver spoke on the breach of contract accusations issued by Lieber and revealed that the information produced was false. His issued statement read, “We sincerely apologize that we must postpone the “For The Culture” tour stop in New Orleans featuring DaBaby that was set to happen on September 2nd. The public information being released is false, and we didn’t authorize anyone to announce the cancellation of this event.“
He added that the plans with Smoothie King Center and artist management were postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Pulver continued, “We are in the process of working with all parties involved to announce future dates and times.”
DaBaby Was Involved In A Lot Of Controversies
From as far back as 2018, DaBaby has been embroiled in several controversies, one of which was his misogynistic and homophobic statements late year at the Rolling Loud Miami festival.
The rapper infamously yelled to a crowd of fans, “If you didn’t show up today with HIV, AIDS, or any of them deadly sexually transmitted diseases that’ll make you die in two to three weeks, then put your cellphone lighter up … Fellas, if you ain’t sucking d–k in the parking lot, put your cellphone lighter up.”
Although the rapper initially supported his statement, DaBaby apologized for his remarks. He also said he had no issues with the LGBTQIA+ community and claimed that their business was theirs.
DaBaby’s other controversial moments include when the rapper was seen trying to force a fan to kiss him in a video that surfaced in April. He was also charged with felony battery by a property manager who claimed the 30-year-old harassed him.