Kid Cudi Removes M.I.A. From Rebel Ragers Tour Following Controversial Onstage Remarks
Kid Cudi has removed M.I.A. from the lineup of his ongoing Rebel Ragers Tour after the opening act made a series of remarks onstage that drew backlash from fans and prompted a swift response from the headlining artist.
The decision follows a May 2 performance at Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, where M.I.A. addressed the audience with comments that referenced her political views and past controversies. During the set, she told the crowd she had faced criticism for various reasons over the years and added that she did not expect to be “canceled” for identifying as a “brown Republican voter.” She also declined to perform her song “Illegal,” suggesting there might be individuals in the audience she did not wish to offend or engage with.
Audience reactions were immediate, with some attendees expressing frustration online after the show. Many fans who had come primarily to see Kid Cudi described the remarks as distracting or out of step with the tone of the tour. In the days following the performance, social media platforms filled with complaints directed at the tour’s management and at Cudi himself.
On Monday, Kid Cudi responded publicly, confirming that M.I.A. would no longer appear as part of the tour. In a statement shared online, he said he had previously made his expectations clear to her team before the tour began, emphasizing that he did not want performances to include material or commentary that could be considered offensive.
According to Cudi, he had communicated those concerns in advance and had been assured there would be no issues. However, after receiving a large volume of messages from fans following recent shows, he decided to take action.
“I won’t have someone on my tour making remarks that upset my fanbase,” he wrote, adding that he found the situation disappointing. He did not elaborate further on whether there had been direct communication with M.I.A. following the Dallas performance.
Despite the backlash, M.I.A. has continued releasing music and performing live. Her most recent album, M.I.7, arrived shortly before the tour began, marking her return to a more active release schedule.
The Rebel Ragers Tour, which launched earlier this spring, has been a key part of his current run of live performances and is scheduled to continue in several major U.S. cities over the coming weeks.
The tour resumes in Atlanta, where a replacement opening act is expected to be announced.
M.I.A. has not publicly responded to her removal from the tour.
