💥 TL;DR
- Stephanie Mills took to X to call out Essence Festival organizers.
- Says the event was full of “chaos,” and Lauryn Hill didn’t go on until 2:30 AM. 😳
- Mills demands a full operational review to save the festival’s legacy.
📱 The Internet is Gagged
Legendary singer Stephanie Mills didn’t just sip tea—she spilled a whole pot 🍵 on the Essence Festival of Culture 2025. In a formal open letter (not a Notes app apology, chile), she gave organizers a piece of her mind.
“There were significant production and timing issues that impacted not only the artists but the audience experience.”
—Stephanie Mills via X
An open letter to #Essence Festival of Culture 2025 Organizers from #StephanieMills pic.twitter.com/XwOini2hKV
— Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) July 8, 2025
🎤 Wait, Lauryn Performed at WHAT TIME?!
According to reports from BET and Showbiz411, headliner Lauryn Hill hit the stage after 2:30 AM. 🤯
By then, folks were either passed out, pissed off, or both. And the late shows weren’t even communicated well—zero updates, no courtesy announcements. The audience? Confused and cranky.
🗣️ JAM Culture Reacts
- “They turned Essence into Coachella with no AC and no schedule.”
- “That’s not late-night vibes, that’s disrespectful.”
- “Steph was right to call them out. It’s about respect for the culture!”
👑 The Real Issue: Culture or Clout?
Mills’s message isn’t just about logistics—it’s a cultural critique. Essence Festival is supposed to uplift Black joy and legacy, not be a chaotic clout-chasing circus. Her open letter hit harder than expected because it came from love and lived experience.
And she’s got a point: how do we protect spaces like this from being overrun by commercial chaos?
🔍 Final Thoughts: Can Essence Bounce Back?
Stephanie’s not trying to cancel Essence. She’s urging leadership to step up. And she’s not alone—more artists and attendees are calling for better structure, better respect, and better vibes.
Now it’s on Essence to listen, reflect, and evolve.
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