Donald Trump might not be happy that Rihanna couldn’t perform at his fundraiser last Saturday evening, but a rep for Rihanna tells Access Hollywood exclusively that the pop superstar was under strict doctor’s orders.
“Rihanna was recovering [from] bronchitis and her doctor advised her not to get on a plane as she would risk losing her voice and damaging her vocal chords,” the rep told Access on Tuesday, regarding why Rihanna canceled her scheduled gig in Florida with The Donald.
The “S&M” songstress had been slated to perform at Trump’s charity event in Palm Beach, Fla., however, was forced to pull out due to illness – something that didn’t sit well with Trump when he saw Rihanna sing the next day during the NBA All-Star game in Los Angeles.
“I thought that (Rihanna bailing) was insulting to everyone,” Trump told The Palm Beach Post’s Page 2 Live blog. “But for Rihanna to go to the (NBA) All-Star game and perform after she told us she was sick, that is just a lack of respect.”
As a result, Jennifer Hudson stepped in last minute for Rihanna and performed at the event, which benefited the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“She feels terribly she couldn’t attend but was so grateful Jennifer Hudson graciously stepped in,” the singer’s rep’s statement to Access continued.
Access has reached out to Trump for a comment on the statement from Rihanna’s rep and is awaiting response.
Earlier this month, prior to her performance at the Grammys in LA, Rihanna Tweeted that she was battling some ailments, which were putting even her Grammy gig in jeopardy.
“Bronchitis and laryngitis boo! I’m still goin to rehearsals tho! Sunday is everything,” she Tweeted prior to the awards show.
Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.