Anita Baker and Babyface have been on tour together recently, but there has been some tension. In May, a show was delayed, so Baker apparently asked Babyface not to perform her set. He said at the time, “I’m so sorry to my fans who were waiting for us to take the stage tonight at the Prudential Center. I was asked not to perform in order to give Ms. Baker her space and time to present her show in its entirety. My band and I are extremely saddened that we were unable to perform for all of you tonight.
Things have gone downhill since then, to the point that Baker pulled Babyface from the tour.
In an announcement tweet shared yesterday (June 13), she wrote, “After enduring cyberbullying/verbal abuse and threats of violence from fans, our special guest[heart emoji]/Support law. In the interests of personal safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone. Appropriate refunds will be made.
#AnitaBaker After silently enduring cyberbullying/verbal abuse and threats of violence from the fanbase, our Special Guest❤️/Support Act. In the interests of personal safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone. Appropriate refunds will be made.
Blessings🎁
ABXO🎼 pic.twitter.com/P7OzVdiEPm— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) June 13, 2023
Babyface has since offered a response, saying in a statement shared with ET, “I am saddened by the news that Anita Baker has decided to remove me from The singer’s tour. It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have unfolded via social media. As I looked forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love and respect for Anita and wish her the best for the rest of her tour.