American rapper Ja Rule said he was “devastated” that he had been denied entry to Britain days before he was due to begin the opening leg of his international tour due to his criminal record.
Ja Rule has announced that he’s not a fan of the UK because they’ve denied him entry for his latest performances.
In a series of posts made to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday (February 27), the rapper claimed that his denial came at the last minute, adding to his growing frustration.
“I’m so devastated I can’t believe the UK won’t let me in,” he said. “I’ve spent a half million dollars in the production of my own money to put this tour together only to be denied entry DAYS before my shows this is not fair to me or my fans these venues are 85% sold and now I can’t come.”
He continued: “The UK is one of the few European countries that restricts entry to people with criminal records. In general, you will likely be denied entry if you have been convicted of a crime punishable by 23 months or more under British law or served more than 12 months in prison.”
The US musician, 47, real name Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr, was due to kick off his Sunrise tour at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff on Friday, before gigs in London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Leeds and Liverpool.
He was scheduled to play the 12,500 capacity OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday – as part of an eight date tour – but the shows have now apparently been cancelled.
Ja Rule was released from prison in May 2013 after serving two years on gun and tax evasion charges.
Ticketmaster has stopped selling tickets saying shows, including the London gig, have been cancelled.
A promoter statement on the Ovo Arena website said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to inform you that Ja Rule’s “The Sunrise Tour” in the UK and Ireland next month has been cancelled. Refunds will be issued from your point of purchase.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.” Other venues are carrying the same statement.
After one fan tweeted Ticketmaster to ask about refunds, the website’s customer service team replied: “Once we receive confirmed info an email will be sent to all customers for the event.”!)
Author: Bunmi Johnson
New York, USA
olu20@hotmail.com
