American Idol Winner Turns Down Key to Mississippi City After Receiving Death Threats

Jamal Roberts, winner of the 23rd season of American Idol and a native of Mississippi, recently declined an offer to receive a key to the city of Laurel, Mississippi, following public backlash and threats.

Jamal Roberts was initially scheduled to receive the honor at the Noir & Blanc event at the L.T. Ellis Centre in Laurel. However, many local residents expressed dissatisfaction online, arguing that more deserving individuals within the community should be recognized.

Following the announcement by local promoters, Roberts faced online vitriol, including threats of violence, prompting him to address the situation via Facebook Live.

“You have people sharing the post, making threats, talking about they’ll have guns at the event,” Roberts said during his live broadcast. “I worked with kids before American Idol, and it’s crazy that kids can comprehend how to behave more than grown folks.

It’s a sad world we live in. I don’t want it, respectfully. You can have it. Tell them I’m appreciative, but I politely decline.”

Despite declining Laurel’s key, JRoberts has found appreciation elsewhere. On June 14, the city of Atmore, Alabama, warmly presented him with a key to their city, an honor he gladly accepted and shared on social media.

“Wow, today, Atmore, Alabama, gave the girls and I a key to the city and embraced us and made us feel like we were at home. Thank y’all for loving on my babies and accepting me just the way I am,” Roberts posted on Facebook.

Roberts is still set to headline the Noir & Blanc event as initially planned. Event organizers confirmed the booking was secured well before the recent controversy.