The Grammy Award-winning artist had a scheduled performance time of 12:35 a.m. on Saturday morning during the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans. However, she did not take the stage until nearly two hours later, with her set finally concluding at 3:37 a.m. This delay understandably caused frustration among fans eagerly awaiting her performance.

Following the delay, the Essence Festival organizers accepted responsibility for the situation, prompting Hill to break her silence. She shared an extensive statement on her Instagram, where she expressed gratitude towards the festival organizers for acknowledging the issue and simultaneously addressed the persistent misconceptions surrounding her performances and commitment to her craft.

“Thank you, Essence Festival, for clarifying that the delays were not my fault,” Hill, now 50, began her statement, which she shared through a series of screenshots in a carousel format. Her words reflect her desire to set the record straight and to alleviate any confusion among her fans and the public.

“Family, let me address a few important matters: I am deeply involved in every aspect of what it takes to put on my shows. This level of involvement is necessary to protect the integrity of my message and the quality of my performance,” she continued. “For this reason, I rehearse and meticulously arrange the music alongside my talented band to ensure every performance resonates with authenticity.”

“I am involved in all facets of the design, preparation, and production of my shows while also balancing my responsibilities as a parent, grandparent, and steward to my immediate family and community,” she added, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of her life and career. This dedication exemplifies her commitment not just to her music, but also to her family and her local community.

The celebrated singer expressed that while many artists might focus on a single discipline or category, her role requires her to keep a watchful eye on every aspect of her performances. She highlighted the necessity of being involved across multiple departments to ensure the overall success of her shows.

“I do this without complaint because it is truly a labor of love and a great passion for me to deliver meaningful music to my audience,” she elaborated. This sentiment underscores her artistic integrity and the deep connection she feels with her fans, reinforcing her commitment to provide unforgettable performances.

Hill, who has gained a reputation for being late to her performances, addressed the ongoing “misunderstanding” regarding her shows. This acknowledgment reflects her awareness of public perception and her desire to clarify her position in light of recent events.

“There seems to be a misconception out there that I’m lounging somewhere on the Riviera, drink in hand, showing up late to performances because I consider myself too important,” she wrote. This powerful statement challenges the narrative that has surrounded her and highlights her dedication to her craft and the effort she puts into her performances.

“This is nonsense… and anyone who has been part of these productions knows that in fact, the opposite is true,” she continued. “Those of us who are still out here grinding to present an alternative to the divisive, the shallow, the controlled, and the deliberately limiting narrative of our representation do what it takes to do so. We are here, pushing through the resistance.”

“Ask yourself how and why I am still standing after years of public effort to defame me? Because someone has to do it!” Hill emphasized. “I am usually quiet, knowing full well that God fights my battles, but this isn’t the first time production delays have affected my performance.”

“This is, however, the first time a promoter has acknowledged the slip-up on their end (thanks, Essence!). This will be the last time I allow production challenges to appear as though the fault is mine alone when they are not,” she added, indicating her determination to hold others accountable for their responsibilities in the production process.

The “Ready or Not” singer then addressed those “who cannot extend me grace.”

“I am proud of that, because it isn’t your grace that sustains me,” Hill stated firmly. “It’s God’s grace that sustains me and the love of fans who appreciate that my message came for them when they needed it most and know that I was probably being punished for being so honest in the midst of a huge business.”

“I will continue to push and play for these and other relevant causes. Those who can’t see it yet, catch you when you do,” she continued. “Media, reality check and watch what you irresponsibly put out there — there are consequences for misrepresenting the facts.”

“Despite the late start, I appreciate those who stayed and rocked with us,” Hill expressed sincerely, concluding with a powerful reminder: “Family, always remember: what the enemy means for evil, God will turn around for good!”

Hill’s post also included a collection of captivating images from her performance at Essence Fest, showcasing her artistry and the energy of the event.

Essence commented on Hill’s post, stating, “Always love and accountability live here. Thank you for blessing us with your presence and performance.”

In the wake of her delayed performance, both the magazine and the festival’s Instagram accounts released a joint statement on Monday.

“Family is family, and around here we protect our own no matter what the people have to say,” the festival’s statement read. “Let’s be very clear — we do not play about Ms. Lauryn Hill. Not for clicks. Not for headlines.”

The statement continued: “She arrived on time, stepped on that stage, and delivered the kind of performance only a legend can. The delay? Not hers. We’ll take that. The moment? One for the books. The legacy? Still unmatched. Put some respect on her name. Keep the takes, but keep her out of them.”