Low turnout, refund demands and public criticism follow Burna Boy’s Texas show after reports of a confrontation with a homeless mother at the venue.
Nigeria’s Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy is facing mounting criticism in the United States after a major concert in Houston drew a sharply reduced crowd, following weeks of online outrage over his behavior toward a homeless woman and her infant.
The late-November 2025, event at the Toyota Center, a 19,000-seat arena, attracted an estimated 5,000 attendees, according to organizers — a striking contrast to the artist’s usual sold-out performances. Large sections of the venue remained empty, prompting widespread discussion about a possible “cancel-culture” backlash.
The controversy stems from an incident at a previous appearance in Houston, where Burna Boy allegedly confronted a homeless American woman who had been resting inside the venue with her baby before the show. Witnesses said the child had recently been fed when the artist arrived and became angered, shouting at the woman and ordering security personnel to remove her. The baby reportedly cried as guards escorted them away.
In the same appearance, Burna Boy also instructed his team to eject a fan who rushed toward the stage in an attempt to take a selfie, according to accounts shared on social media.
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The episodes triggered a wave of criticism from music fans across the United States, with many accusing the performer of arrogance and disrespect. Hundreds of online posts expressed frustration, and ticket sellers in several American cities reported increased requests for refunds from buyers who had purchased seats weeks in advance.
In a message to fans, Burna Boy addressed the escalating backlash, attributing his reactions to post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety. He also claimed that a separate widely discussed incident — in which he kicked a fan offstage — had occurred at a free show in Lagos, where he performed longer than scheduled.
“I know my ticket sales are suffering since that incident,” he wrote. “So please, I am sorry to everyone and everything I said. It was a slip of tongue. It’s not my fault; I am suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and deep anxiety all the way from Nigeria.”
Sources close to the singer told local media that some supporters attempted to portray the Houston concert as a high-energy success on social platforms. However, images of empty seats and sparse crowds circulated widely, reinforcing the perception that the event fell far short of expectations.
The singer’s U.S. tour continues, though it remains unclear how the controversy may shape attendance in other cities.
