Justin Timberlake is facing backlash from fans after canceling Tuesday’s concert at the Prudential Centre in Newark, New Jersey, just 30 minutes before start time.
Timberlake embarked on his “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” in April, but the 43-year-old star was unable to fully see it through. He notified fans via Instagram that he wouldn’t be taking the stage just half an hour before the concert was scheduled to begin. His reasoning, an “injury,” proved insufficient for the angry fans who had invested their time and money into attending the event and they wasted no time telling Timberlake how upset they were with the short notice.
“I’m so sorry to postpone tonight’s show,” the famous singer wrote. “I have an injury that is preventing me from performing.”
“I’m so disappointed to not see you all – but I’m working to reschedule ASAP,” he continued.
Timberlake tried to reassure disappointed fans, saying, “I promise to make it up to you and give you the show y’all deserve.”
The pop star signed off by thanking fans for their support and understanding, but the comment section seemed only to understand that Timberlake had let them down.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 01: Justin Timberlake performs onstage during the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre on April 01, 2024 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
One Twitter user wrote, “Meanwhile, Dave Grohl performed with a freshly broken leg [laughing crying emoji],” while another his thoughts by writing, “dude. u couldnt do this hours ago?”
Another person chimed in to agree, saying, “R U KIDDING. 30 minutes before doors!?”
The timing of Timberlake’s announcement seemed to really set people off.
Another angry fan wrote, “Is this a fucking joke the doors open in 30 mins.”
“Ticketmaster has yet to send any communications on this meaning a lot of people don’t even know and are already or were already on their way,” a Twitter user wrote.
The user went on to say, “beyond the price of the tickets, people lay out money for ubers, train tickets, childcare, etc to attend these events day of, so unless he injured himself 12 minutes ago, there’s no excuse for an update this late in the game AND for no other communication about it except his Instagram.”
“Obviously if he’s hurt, he’s hurt but then give us more of an explanation because it must’ve just happened and maybe show a bit more empathy for the day of money lost and the overall inconvenience this is to your fans to cancel so close to the show starting,” the user continued.
Another shared the same sentiment, writing, “@ticketmaster do what’s right and refund us! We spent money for gas, tolls, parking etc and didn’t find out @justintimberlake was canceled until we were already at the doors @prucenter! REFUND PLEASE”
It remains unclear whether Timberlake will perform his next scheduled show Friday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia or his other shows scheduled for Washington, D.C., Toronto, Buffalo, Columbus, Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee and Saint Paul in Minnesota. (RELATED: Fan Front Row At Justin Timberlake Concert Epitomizes Youngest Generation’s Worst Habit, And She’s Paying For It)
Timberlake did not disclose the nature of his injury as of Wednesday morning.
