Tank has got Babyface’s back after the latter was removed from Anita Baker’s tour amid alleged online harassment from his fans. Refusing to stay silent, the R&B singer has defended his friend and mentor, claiming that he’s not to blame for his fans’ reactions.
Just hours after Anita made the announcement that she will proceed with her tour solo, Tank took to his Instagram page to air out his feelings. In a video posted on Tuesday, June 13, he said, “I wasn’t going to say anything. But it’s kinda hard… It’s really hard for me to stand by and let one of my heroes, one of the nicest human beings ever just be attacked and be vilified for no reason. … But somebody has to say something.”
While trying to be as respectful as possible, he claimed, “When a man stands accused of doing something that he hasn’t done…he hasn’t done anything.” He then tried to sum up what had led Anita to make the decision, “He apologized to his fans for not being able to perform after he was told he would not be able to perform. So somehow whatever happened after that is his fault? Now you just kicked him off the tour?”
Tank, whose real name is Durrell Artaze Babbs, also let people know that he just sang backup at Babyface’s “Tiny Desk Concert”. In the caption, he doubled down, “Just can’t stand by and not talk about the truth of it all. My apologies @babyface but i’m not as meek and mild mannered as you are. It is a flaw of mine but somebody has to say something!. R&B MONEY.”
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Anita kicked out Babyface of the rest of her “Songstress Tour” after she felt attacked by his fans. “After silently, enduring cyber bullying/verbal abuse & threats of violence from the fan base, of out special guest [a heart emoji]/support act. In the interest of personal safety. I will continue, The Songstress Tour, alone,” so the 65-year-old announced on Twitter. “Appropriate refunds will be made. Blessings.”
Meanwhile, Babyface has responded to Anita’s decision by issuing an apology. “I am saddened by the news that Anita Baker has decided to remove me from ‘The Songstress Tour.’ It’s unfortunate and disheartening to see how things have played out via social media,” he said, addressing the fans’ reactions.
“While I was looking forward to the rest of the dates, I have nothing but love & respect for Anita and I wish her the best for the remainder of her tour,” the 64-year-old singer/songwriter added.
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Anita previously asked Babyface’s fans to stop harassing her online after Babyface claimed he was asked to pull out of her show in Newark on May 10. “Good Morning, to… Kenny’s Crazies, who continue to Harrass,” she tweeted on Monday. “Kenny’s Crazies are online Bullies. @Babyface Please call off, your fans. I have been Only Kind and Supportive, of You, as the Special Guest/Support, on My Tour.”
She also claimed that Babyface hates Beyonce Knowles. “He hates, Beyonce, as well,” she added in a separate tweet, before alleging, “There is A White man, behind these Grown Black Men… harrassing Me & Gaslighting, My Fans. Because he Cant take over, this Tour… sO? He wants to Destroy it. Kenny’s Crazy Narcissis @Babyface call off, your Boys.”
[VIA]
