Police stopped Rihanna from performing a free concert and marching with protesters in Baltimore
'Rihanna wants to walk with protesters as well as perform a free concert'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.R&B artist Rihanna was reportedly stopped by police from holding a free concert and march in Baltimore during unrest early this year.
The Baltimore Sun released documents on Monday night showing that the singer's management requested permission to perform in Baltimore shortly after violent riots broke out after the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died of a severed spine in police custody.
The message was sent to the department's media officer Eric Kowalczyk: “Rihanna wants to walk with protesters as well as perform a free concert. He added that she will we 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).”
However, an update was later sent to former police commissioner Anthony Batts turning down the concert claiming police didn't have a permit.
"Possible Rihanna Concert at Penn & North. No time given. Police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed," the email read.
During the uprising, the superstar posted an image to her Instagram account — Baltimore-based photographer Devin Allen’s image of a black police officer with tears in his eyes.
On 10 May, Prince held a "Rally 4 Peace" concert in Baltimore where he performed a new protest song titled "Baltimore." The "Purple Rain" singer also brought State Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby onto the stage at Royal Farms Arena.
Read more:
Prince to play Freddie Gray tribute concert in Baltimore
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments