R&B legend R. Kelly was set to headline the inaugural Fashion Meets Music Festival in Columbus, Ohio during Labor Day weekend. However, all of that has changed. After receiving backlash from his past, Kelly was forced to drop out of the show.
Kelly not only received backlash from community members but also from local bands who were scheduled to perform. In fact, local duo Damn the Witch Siren announced in early July that they were withdrawing from the festival because of Kelly’s past.
“We wanted to make sure we heard the Columbus listeners … to make a statement and support the city we live in,” said festival spokeswoman Melissa Dickson.
Kelly’s publicist also issued a statement. “R. Kelly is sorry to disappoint his fans but looks forward to seeing them in the near future during one of his upcoming tours.”
In related news, Kelly performed in Columbus in 2011 during his “Love Letter Tour.” We wonder if he received backlash then.
(Source: NBC Chicago)
