Essence Festival Defends Lauryn Hill Amid Backlash Over Late Performance

The Essence Festival has come forward in full support of Lauryn Hill, following public criticism over her late-night set during this year’s event in New Orleans. Hill, who was scheduled to perform at 12:35 a.m., didn’t take the stage until 2:30 a.m., but according to Essence organizers, the delay was not her fault.

In a strongly worded Instagram post shared on July 7, the festival posted a highlight from Hill’s performance and addressed the growing online chatter. “Let’s be very clear — WE don’t play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines,” Essence wrote. “She arrived on schedule, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can.”

Hill’s performance didn’t end until 3:37 a.m., well past the original timetable. The delay, Essence clarified, stemmed from prior sets by Maxwell, Babyface, the Isley Brothers, and GloRilla all running behind. Still, some audience members and online commentators placed the blame squarely on Hill — an assumption Essence quickly corrected.

“The delay? Not hers. We will take that,” the post stated. “Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them.”

The post, which featured striking footage from Hill’s set, emphasized her unmatched influence and artistry, calling her legacy “still unmatched.”

The Grammy-winning singer later issued her own statement, thanking the festival for setting the record straight and addressing wider concerns about how her performances are perceived.

“Family, let me address a few things,” Hill began. “I am involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows because it requires THAT much involvement to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of what I do.”

Hill highlighted that she juggles multiple roles — not only as a performer, but also as a parent, grandparent, and a community steward. She described her commitment to her craft as a “labor of love”, done without complaint and with meticulous attention to detail.

The statement was interpreted by many as a gentle rebuke to those who’ve criticized Hill in the past for being late to concerts, a reputation that’s followed her throughout her career. But this time, Essence made it clear: she was not the problem — she was the professional.

“Family is family, and around here, we protect our own,” Essence wrote. “No matter what the PEOPLE have to say.”