Anita Baker faces backlash after Babyface asked not to perform at Newark concert

Chris Jordan, Asbury Park Press
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Anita Baker got her space, and Babyface fans are not happy.

Babyface did not perform at his and Anita Baker's concert Wednesday, May 10, at the Prudential Center in Newark after he was asked not to play, according to Babyface.

He posted a statement Wednesday night

“I am truly sorry to my fans who have been waiting for us to hit the stage this evening at @PruCenter,” said Babyface, aka Kenny Edmonds, on social media. “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.”

Baker, who took the stage two hours after showtime, blamed the situation on “technical difficulties,” according to a fan video of the show.

Anita Baker, shown in October 2019, played the Prudential Center in Newark on Wednesday.
Anita Baker, shown in October 2019, played the Prudential Center in Newark on Wednesday.

“I don’t care who you are, Anita doesn’t get a pass,” said a fan on Instagram. “She disrespected paying fans and YOU (Babyface).”

“Sorry, I know it’s Anita but that’s not cool at all,” said another on IG. “It’s like a slap in the face.”

It's not just fans who are chiming in. Singer Stephanie Mills was also critical of Baker, whose R&B hits include "Sweet Love" and "Giving You the Best That I Got."

“We have got to be better than this!” Mills commented. “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.”

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A representative from tour promoter Live Nation also cited technical difficulties from the stage on Wednesday.

Problems arose during load in at the venue, primarily from the stage's video board, said a source with knowledge of the situation. In addition, the show Wednesday was the tour debut, the source said.

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A request for comment from Live Nation was not replied to as of press time.

The Anita Baker: The Songstress tour with Babyface is scheduled to play Friday, May 12, at the USB Arena in Elmont, New York.

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Chris Jordan, a Jersey Shore native, covers entertainment and features for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Contact him at @chrisfhjordan; cjordan@app.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Anita Baker criticized after Babyface does not perform in Newark