Kid Cudi Removes M.I.A. from Tour After Her Political Rant

After receiving messages from upset fans following recent shows, Cudi decided to end her involvement. In his Instagram post, Cudi wrote that the remarks were disappointing and that he would not allow someone on his tour to make offensive comments that upset his fanbase.

The tour was set to continue with a stop in Birmingham, Alabama, on May 3, but that show was canceled due to low ticket sales. Cudi's next performance is scheduled for May 5 in Atlanta, with openers including Big Boi, A-Trak, Me N Ü, and Dot Da Genius in select cities.

During the Dallas show at the Dos Equis Pavilion, M.I.A. addressed the crowd, saying she had been canceled for various reasons and referenced her political views. A video captured her stating, “I can’t do ‘Illegal,’ though some of you could be in the audience,” which prompted boos.

She then explained that half her team had not received visas and played a song with lyrics criticizing unjust laws. >"I wrote ‘illygal’ on the ‘Maya’ LP a song from 2010. I started this intro to the song with the statement saying, ‘I’m illygal,’ and I said, ‘my team hasn’t gotten visas yet,’" M.I.A. wrote on X.

M.I.A. responded to the backlash on X, accusing critics of misrepresenting her words and urging unity. She emphasized her belief in challenging unjust laws and noted that she cannot vote in the U.S. The artist also addressed rumors about her political affiliations, pointing out voting patterns in certain communities without endorsing division.

Background and Reactions M.I.A., whose real name is Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam, has faced criticism in recent years for controversial social media posts, including claims linking 5G networks to health issues, which have been debunked by organizations like the World Health Organization.

In a 2022 interview, she expressed opposition to cancel culture, advocating for open conversations. Earlier this year, she released her seventh album, M.I.7, and performed at Coachella with Major Lazer, wearing attire from her Ohmni clothing line designed to block wireless signals.

Kid Cudi, born Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi, is a Grammy winner known for hits like “Day ‘n’ Nite” and “Paper Planes” collaborator with M.I.A. He emphasized in his statement that the decision followed fan feedback after the last couple of concerts. Representatives for M.I.A. were contacted for comment but did not immediately respond.

The firing came amid broader discussions about political statements in entertainment, with M.I.A. defending her right to express views without being misrepresented. She concluded her social media response by praying for critics' awakening and rejecting what she called gaslighting.

The incident did not involve any reported violations beyond the onstage remarks.

The Rebel Ragers Tour began recently, with M.I.A. initially scheduled as an opener. Cudi's announcement was made on May 4, aligning with the current date. While sources agree on the core events, one report noted the Birmingham cancellation separately from the firing, attributing it solely to ticket sales.

M.I.A.'s song “Illegal” from her 2010 album Maya features themes of immigration and law, which she referenced in her rant. She reiterated her stance that unjust laws should be challenged, maintaining her position from over a decade ago. No further shows have been canceled beyond Birmingham.