Mary J. Blige’s next tour is a love letter to fans — and some of them have questions

Mary J. Blige's next tour is a love letter to fans — and some of them have questions

As a seasoned movie critic with a keen eye for storytelling and a heart full of empathy, I find myself deeply moved by the latest chapter unfolding in Mary J. Blige’s career. The announcement of her upcoming tour is a testament to her resilience, her gratitude, and her unwavering connection with her fans – much like a well-crafted screenplay that leaves audiences spellbound.


Mary J. Blige recently unveiled plans for her upcoming tour, suggesting it’ll be a heartfelt tribute to her fans. However, the announcement has sparked discussions about the ongoing upheaval in the music industry following last week’s federal indictment of music tycoon Sean “Diddy” Combs, making it more than just a simple tour announcement.

In the end, things are always left unfinished, but I have such an overwhelming debt of gratitude to my fans that I can’t express in words, so I’ll show it through a performance,” the singer of “Family Affair” stated on Instagram this Monday, revealing the upcoming event and the presale starting Thursday.

2025 finds me eagerly anticipating an extraordinary concert tour, where I’ll be graced by the soulful melodies of none other than R&B legends Ne-Yo and Mario. As of now, no specific dates have been officially revealed, but rest assured, I’m keeping a close eye on updates!

On a recent episode of “Sherri,” I sat down with the delightful Sherri Shepherd for the season premiere. During our chat, I shared some exciting news: I’ll be embarking on a tour in January! And guess what? My new album, “Gratitude,” is scheduled to release on November 15th. Can’t wait for you all to hear it!

A post shared by Mary J Blige (@therealmaryjblige)

If you appreciate Mary J. Blige, this sentiment is especially for you, she expressed. Later on, she elaborated, ” frankly speaking, my life today is filled with gratitude. I’m thriving, I have work and prospects ahead, I’m in good health, the same goes for my family, I’m surrounded by people who genuinely care for me, love me, and I am fortunate to have such incredible fans. Therefore, I want to express my sincere thanks to my fans for the years of affection and backing they have shown me.

Mary J. Blige's next tour is a love letter to fans — and some of them have questions ×

The artist and singer known for hits like “No More Drama” and “Real Love” is set to perform on October 26 at the AZ Jazz Fest in Glendale, Arizona, as per her website, which also hints at her For My Fans Tour. This actor-singer, who previously performed with rap legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg at the 2022 Super Bowl, last undertook a solo tour towards the end of 2022. Known as the Good Morning Gorgeous tour, it coincided with her album of the same name, her first since finalizing her lengthy divorce from record producer Kendu Isaacs, with whom she was married for 15 years.

Representatives for Blige did not immediately respond Monday to The Times’ requests for comment.

Since her recent tour announcement lacked specific information, followers of the nine-time Grammy winner began making their own assumptions in the comments section of her post. Many of these theories hinted at the “Mudbound” actress’s seemingly quiet response to accusations against Diddy, the co-founder of Bad Boy Entertainment, as well as this year’s questionable rumors surrounding Ne-Yo.

One Instagram user commented, ‘I sincerely hope and wish there was no involvement of Auntie in the matter regarding Diddy.’

“Trying to get that money before she go ‘DOOOWWNNNNNN,‘” another said.

“This is not the time to be kicking it with Neyo Auntie,” another wrote.

“Take neyo off. He’s not a good look right now,” a follower demanded.

“Auntie you could have done this tour by yourself no need for the other two,” a user replied.

“Hopefully it won’t turn into a ‘for legal fees’ tour,” another mused.

53-year-old singer Mary J. Blige has been friends with rap mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs for many years, having worked together when he was a producer at Uptown Records during her career’s start. Despite this long friendship, she has remained silent following his arrest last week and subsequent federal indictment on charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and solicitation of prostitution. However, in March, after two of Combs’ homes were searched, Blige posted a cryptic message that seemed to reference the growing accusations against him and attempted to keep her distance from his legal troubles.

She explained, “Regrettably, many of you encountered me at a time when I had not yet established clear boundaries and tended to prioritize others’ needs over my own.” However, let me clarify now, “I learn to cut ties where necessary.

A recently made public indictment claims that Combs, along with his associates, enticed female victims, frequently under false promises of romance. The indictment alleges that Combs subsequently employed force, threats of violence, coercion, and illicit substances to persuade these women to participate in sexual acts with male escorts during what he referred to as “freak off” sessions. According to the charges, Combs provided the women with ketamine, ecstasy, and GHB to maintain their obedience and compliance throughout these events. However, Combs has pleaded not guilty to these accusations, and his lawyer maintains his innocence.

Similar to numerous personalities connected to Combs or attendees of his high-profile events, Ne-Yo, aged 44, found himself once more in the spotlight due to Diddy-related news last week. This was triggered by a re-emergence of an April video where Sade Kokayi Bagnerise, mother of his two children, referred to him as “Diddy Jr” and alleged that he participated in “freak offs.” Furthermore, Bagnerise, who shares children with the artist known for “So Sick,” also accused Ne-Yo of physically assaulting her, neglecting their kids, and mirroring Combs’ reported misconduct. However, following Bagnerise’s public criticism in April, she retracted her accusations later that day and expressed regret for “bringing you into our private matters,” as reported by The Shade Room at the time.

Representatives for Ne-Yo declined to comment on the allegations when reached Monday by The Times.

In a recent lawsuit, Dawn Richard accused Ne-Yo (whose real name is Shaffer Chimere Smith) of being present at a dinner hosted by Diddy. This event took place in West Hollywood around late 2009 or early 2010. According to Richard’s complaint, she claimed that during this dinner, she observed Diddy striking his then-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, in the stomach. She further argued that by being present at this incident, Ne-Yo, singer Usher, and Jimmy Iovine (who was CEO of Interscope Records at the time) were complicit in Diddy’s actions.

In the meantime, some of Blige’s devoted followers continued to stand by her side, cheering the tour announcement even if they found the suddenness of it a bit perplexing.

Just like every time, Mary never engages with online gossip and rumors – a trait that undeniably contributes to her continued success.” (First person: “I’ve noticed that every time, Mary never addresses internet gossip and rumors, which I believe plays a significant role in her ongoing success.”)

“Mary said she booked and busy don’t bother her with that other mess,” another said.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: “If the film selection isn’t to your liking, no worries, just move along. Please respect Mary; she’s not up for criticism. Regardless of the reasons, we won’t be dropping her from our lineup. Those who truly appreciate Mary will stand by her.

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2024-09-24 03:31

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