Anita Baker announced Tuesday that she is dropping Babyface from her Songstress Tour following harassment on social media from some of his fans.
“After Silently, Enduring Cyber Bulling/Verbal Abuse & Threats of Violence from the Fan Base, of Our Special Guest/Support Act. In the Interest of Personal Safety. I will continue, ‘The Songstress Tour,’ alone,” read a tweet on Baker’s account. “Appropriate refunds will be made.”
The 65-year-old singer later urged fans who are being harassed “by folk purporting to be, Babyface’s fans” to block and report them on the platform. “Do Not Engage, on my behalf.”
In a statement, Babyface said he was “saddened” by Baker’s decision to drop him from her tour. “It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media,” he said. “While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love & respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour.”
There have been six shows on the Songstress Tour since it kicked off in February. At the May 10th stop in Newark, Babyface’s opening set was scrapped. “I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to perform her show in its entirety,” he tweeted. “My band and I are extremely saddened we didn’t get to perform for y’all.”
In a June 12 tweet, Baker accused Babyface of trying to “take over” and “destroy” the tour and called on him to “call off your Boys.” She said the issue is “boundaries. And, Not SHRINKing, when Strange Men, line up & threaten to hurt You.”
The U.S. tour continues with shows on June 30 and July 2 followed by seven more in November and December.