Baltimore police refused to give the Bajan singer permission to do a free concert for protesters who took over the city's streets following Freddie Gray's death earlier this year.
- Jul 29, 2015
AceShowbiz - Rihanna wanted to play a free concert for protesters who took over the Baltimore streets following the death of Freddie Gray earlier this year. The singer, however, ended up scrapping the plan because the city's police refused to give her permission.
As reported by the Baltimore Sun, RiRi's representative discussed the concert in e-mails with Capt. Eric Kowalczyk, the head of media relations for Baltimore Police at that time. The rep "advised that Rihanna wants to walk with the protesters as well as perform a free concert."
The rep then said that RiRi "will be arriving by plane and in an effort to divert press/media she will be traveling to the city by train (or by car if necessary)... [He] stated that they had hoped to secure some extra police security and was directed by the Governor's office to seek assistance through Communications."
In separate emails, it's revealed that the concert wouldn't be happening because "police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed."
While Rihanna was blocked from playing a Baltimore concert, Prince headlined a show at the Royal Farms Arena on May 10. During the "Rally 4 Peace" concert, which was livestreamed on Tidal, he performed a song he wrote about the unrest in the city.
