Justin Timberlake left fans disappointed by his last minute cancellation (Picture: Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio)
Justin Timberlake fans were left furious after the singer cancelled the final show of his US tour at the last minute.
The 44-year-old Grammy Award winner was due to play at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday but he pulled out just shortly before it was due to begin because of the flu.
He wrote in a statement on Instagram: ‘You guys, I’m heartbroken, I have to cancel the show tonight.
‘I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it’s gotten the best of me. It kills me to disappoint you and my team who worked so hard to make this show happen.
‘I want to reassure you, you’ll be getting refunds for your tickets. I love you all.’
The decision comes four months after he cancelled a concert at the same venue on October 23 while battling laryngitis and bronchitis.
The Cry Me A River singer shared the news on Instagram (Picture: Justin Timberlake / Instagram)
Fans have been left bitterly disappointed by the timing of the SexyBack hitmaker’s decision.
‘Canceling [because] of being sick is 100% understandable.. Canceling 10 minutes before the doors were to open is unacceptable,’ wrote @awudz17 on X.
Another fan, @brendag918, added: ‘The show was canceled at 7:30 and the show was supposed to start at 8:00, I’m sorry if you have the flu you would’ve know before 1/2hour before the show starts.
‘There were little kids standing in line that was devastated that you canceled. Shame on you.’
In a lengthier post, a different fan ranted: ‘This is literally the 2nd time this has happened and there’s not even a reschedule. We drove 3 hours and paid for a hotel room and you tell us 5 minutes before it starts that it’s canceled.
Many of JT’s fans were livid at the late announcement (Picture: Manny Carabel/Getty Images for Audacy)
‘I wouldn’t even be as upset if you actually came out and told us personally that you are sick and cannot perform.
‘There was a DJ for the opening act, we would have been happy with even the DJ playing and us just listening to your songs. We would have sang for you. This is unacceptable.’
Others argued that the show should have been ‘rescheduled not refunded’, as they added: ‘Canceling once is understandable but not twice.
‘I’m sorry if someone is sick but it needs to be made right. We have traveled and spent extra money twice for a last minute notification…not acceptable.’
Other fans defended him over the decision (Picture: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Live Nation)
Someone else reshared his reported comment that his DUI arrest was ‘going to ruin the tour’.
Hours before the show was due to take place, Justin’s wife Jessica Biel shared a post on Instagram hyping up the end of the US tour.
She wrote: ‘There’s truly nothing this man can’t do. It’s been so special to watch you, listen to you, and be alongside you for this tour. One last show tonight, give it all you’ve got. I am the proudest.’
In an announcement on Thursday, Ticketmaster – who were selling tickets throughout the day – confirmed refunds would be available.
Other fans rushed to the former *NYSNC star’s defence.
User @astro_kianna said: ‘For all you weirdos in the comments getting mad at him, understand that these decisions are not made lightly and he was clearly trying to figure things out before cancelling.
Fan footage showed the crowd leaving the venue (Picture: X/kmac789)
‘It’s not as simple as moving it to another date when there are contracts and venue obligations that have to be considered first. Use your brains.
‘We’ve all dealt with cancellations before and sometimes there’s nothing that can be done. That’s life. Being rude to Justin doesn’t solve anything in this moment.’
‘I flew in from CA but you know what… your health comes first. True fans know that. Love you. Feel better,’ wrote @musicnmeows on Instaram.
And @leslierev2807 replied: ‘Take care of yourself Justin, I know you are heartbroken the tour ended this time. We love you so much, never forget that.’
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