🎤 Lauryn Hill Clears The Air After Essence Festival Delay
Lauryn Hill took to social media on Wednesday to speak directly to her fans and set the record straight following her late-night performance at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans.
While the Grammy-winning icon was scheduled to hit the stage at 12:35 a.m. on Saturday, she didn’t begin performing until nearly 2:30 a.m.—wrapping her set just before 4 a.m.
Despite the wait, many fans stayed put, eager to see the legendary Miseducation artist do what she does best.
And now, Lauryn is giving us the behind-the-scenes truth.
🗣️ “Let Me Address A Few Things…”
Lauryn Hill, 50, began her lengthy statement with gratitude for Essence—shouting out the festival for publicly acknowledging that the delay was not her fault.
“Thank you Essence for clarifying that the delays were not my fault. Family, let me address a few things…”
From there, she got candid about the weight she carries behind the scenes. Hill explained that she’s deeply involved in every detail of her performances—from music arrangements and rehearsals to set design and production—all while managing her role as a mother, grandmother, and active community figure.
“While some get to focus on a single discipline or category, my role requires that I have eyes everywhere… I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love.”
She also pushed back on the “myth” that she casually strolls into performances without preparation or concern.
“There seems to be a misconception out there that I’m somewhere on the Riviera with my feet up, drink in hand… That’s nonsense.”
💥 Lauryn Stands Firm On Her Legacy
Hill didn’t mince words when calling out the media and critics who consistently misrepresent her. She reminded everyone of the years she’s spent pushing against the grain and being punished for telling uncomfortable truths in an industry that doesn’t always welcome them.
“Ask yourself how and why I’m still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it!”
This time, Lauryn made it clear she’s drawing a line.
“This will be the last time I’ll allow production challenges to look like the fault is mine alone, when they aren’t.”
🙌 Fans Still Showed Up And Showed Love
Despite the early-morning hours, Lauryn thanked those who stayed and supported her through the night. For Hill, it’s always been about the message—and the people who receive it.
“It’s God’s grace that sustains me and the love of the fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most.”
She closed her statement with a reminder that while critics may twist the narrative, purpose will always prevail.
“What the enemy means for evil, God will turn around for good.”
Lauryn Hill has always moved differently—and that’s exactly why her fans love her. While production hiccups happen, she’s made it clear that her commitment to the craft and the culture remains unmatched.
Whether you were in the building at Essence Festival or just catching up on the drama online, one thing is certain: Ms. Lauryn Hill said what she said—and meant every word of it.
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