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Did Police Stop Rihanna's Free Concert in Baltimore?

RiRi had plans to walk with protesters.

Rihanna wanted to hold a free concert in Baltimore, and “walk with protesters” during unrest in the city following Freddie Gray’s death. Emails unearthed yesterday revealed the superstar’s plan that were thwarted by local police and time constraints, the Baltimore Sun reports. 

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The idea was for RiRi to fly in via plane “and in an attempt to divert press/media she will be traveling to the city by train (or by car if necessary),” states the email. Anthony Batts, former Baltimore police commissioner, and Kevin Harris, spokesperson for the mayor’s office, were all on the thread.

An update on May 1, suggests that the Baltimore Police Department didn’t have enough time to get things in order: "No time given. Police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed."

Prince performed a “Rally4Peace” concert in place of Rihanna. The show was streamed online.

 

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