Rihanna Wanted To Protest In Baltimore And Play A Free Concert

Following the death of Freddie Gray, a black man who died in police custody, Rihanna reportedly intended to join protestors in Baltimore to walk with them and perform a free concert.

Baltimore Police Stopped Rihanna From Giving Free Concert

Since the death of Freddie Gray, Baltimore has been filled with protesters against police violence. And, according to a new report, Rihanna planned to offer the protestors a free concert on May 1 in the Penn & North neighborhood, but the police reportedly prevented her to do so by local law enforcement. A situation report said on May 1, “No time given. Police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed.”

Captain Eric Kowalczyk, head of the Baltimore Police’s media relations at the time of the protests, told The Baltimore Sun that he had a conversation with Rihanna’s representative. The rep told him she would arrive by plane and travel to Baltimore by train or car. Rihanna also allegedly requested additional police security to perform a show against aggressive police.

Rihanna expressed her support of the protestors in Baltimore on Instagram when she posted a photo of a black police officer almost in tears during the protests. Other artists also spoke out on social media, including Meek Mill, Estelle, Missy Elliott and MC Hammer. Prince managed to play a free concert in Baltimore, raising $35,000 for some local nonprofit organizations. The concert was also streamed on Tidal.

The police didn’t give any reason for blocking Rihanna’s concert — but it was reportedly stopped due to the fact that she needed more police presence.