Rihanna Attempted Freddie Gray Protest Concert In Baltimore
Gray died of injuries sustained to his spinal cord while in police custody, leaving his death to be later ruled a homicide by a grand jury who indicted several of the officers who handled his detainment.
The Baltimore Sun published interviews this week that indicate that the pop star was looking to play a show in the city on May 1, however could not because she didn’t obtain the permit necessary for such a performance.
In emails between the former head of media relations for Baltimore Police captain Eric Kowalczyk and an officer, dated May 1, a conversation was outlined about Rihanna’s request.
The officer wrote that the singer’s representative “advised that Rihanna wants to walk with the protesters as well as perform a free concert. (He) stated that they had hoped to secure some extra police security and was directed by the Governor’s office to seek assistance through Communications”.
The email was forwarded to Anthony Vatts, the then Baltimore police commissioner, and Kevin Harris, a spokesman for the mayor of Baltimore, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
“It has come to our attention that you made statements claiming to have met with the family of Freddie Gray, Jr. about the investigation into his death”, attorney William H.
The concert was supposedly going to go down 5/1, but according to a situation report, Baltimore police stopped it from happening: “Possible Rihanna Concert at Penn & North. No time given”. She also wanted to march with protestors for the cause, until her effort was ceased by Baltimore Police over a permit.
While the BBHMM singer’s concert didn’t get approved, Prince performed a Rally 4 Peace benefit show in Baltimore in early May.
In may, six police officers were criminally charged with his murder.