Rapper Rick Ross is addressing rumors he cancelled his Detroit concert after an incident involving hundreds of protesters caused him to be "in fear of his life."
According to TMZ, the rapper was set to headline Hot 107.5's Summer Jamz concert at the Chene Park Amphitheater in Detroit over the weekend. While on his way to Detroit's Chene Park Amphitheater, Ross' car reportedly encountered a "human blockade" of around 150 people.
The angry mob reportedly kept the rapper, whose real name is William Leonard Roberts II, from entering the venue and reportedly made threats against him. His security team later determined that the situation was "too threatening to continue."
"Reports from our venue operations and security teams indicate 100-150 individuals orchestrated a human blockade around the service entrance to the venue, preventing Mr. Ross and his entourage from entering the premises," Shahida Mausi, a representative for the venue, said in the statement. "A decision was made from Mr. Ross' team (that) the conditions were becoming threatening and posed a security risk."
She added: "We want to extend our deepest regrets to our patrons who attended Summer Jamz17 who should have been treated to an outstanding performance from Rick Ross. We have the upmost respect for our guests at Chene Park and they deserve better... Acts of intimidation, bullying, threats or violence of any kind that compromises the security and enjoyment of our shows will not be tolerated at Chene Park.
The "Aston Martin Music" rapper told TMZ he was never confronted by an angry mob, adding that he was not able to enter the venue because the facility was locked. The rapper said he felt bad for fans who were left disappointed after he cancelled the gig.
Jay Hicks, HOT 107.5's program director, explained Rick Ross' absence to the crowd saying, "We had Rick Ross right outside here tonight. At about 11 o'clock, when he was pulling up to come into Chene Park, he was met by 100 individuals outside. We have tried to pull every resource together and asked him to come back... He was in fear of his life and he is not performing here tonight."
The protest was reportedly held by local rapper and Detroit native Trick Trick and his "Goon Squad," according to MLive.
The blockade was reportedly a part of Trick's "No Fly Zone" - which is the name of a recent single warning out-of-town rappers of the consequences of coming to his "turf" without paying respect to him and his crew.
"I'm just a phone call away. Come in without permission, I don't wanna hear sh** you got to say," Trick Trick raps on the track.
