Summer Walker’s tumultuous relationship with her fans seems to be on going.
Last night, the talented R&B singer was booed out of a New Jersey nightclub – and it was bad. At one point in the evening, the crowd was so upset with the singer, that she had to be escorted out of the club by security.
The facts surrounding what led to the crowd booing her are in dispute.
According to the club promoter, Summer was paid to perform “2 or 3” songs at the NJ nightclub and failed to hold up her end of the bargain. But Summer disputes this. She says she was only paid to make an appearance there or “walk through” the space and not to perform.
But whatever the case, the fans showed up to the club expecting to see Summer and to hear her perform. Summer showed up all right, but didn’t perform and the crowd let her have it.
Here are some receipts:
Summer immediately went on Twitter and posted what she claims is proof that she wasn’t paid to perform:
“I truly appreciate all the support and love. As you know, I have been very open about my struggle with social anxiety,” Summer Walker recently posted on Instagram. “I want to continue to be healthy and to make music for y’all, so I have decided to cut down some of the dates on the tour. I hope you all can understand.”
The backlash was harsh. So-called fans wanted to know why she had no problem posting on the gram, twerking at the club, or just outright doing life but clammed up during meet-and-greets and big stage moments. Empathy is hard for folk.
“Girls Need Love” featuring Drake was a summer anthem. But Walker has the kind of anxiety that makes live performances hard. Her NPR Tiny Desk concert became the subject of criticism because she sat still, almost numbly, clutching her emotional support stuffed animal while somehow still belting out the most beautiful songs for brokenhearted black and brown girls who are over it, too.