United States rapper, producer and actor Snoop Dogg will not perform at Thursday’s People’s Celebration concert in Johannesburg after being detained in London following an incident at Heathrow International airport on Wednesday night, radio station 5fm reported.
The performer and five of his bodyguards were to appear in court on Thursday. They were detained following a row that broke out after the star’s 30-strong entourage were told they would not be able to board their flight, after they were initially refused entry to the British Airways first-class lounge at the airport.
Snoop Dogg’s party then moved to a duty-free shop where they allegedly threw bottles of whisky on the floor and argued with staff. Police were subsequently called and were escorting the group away from the scene when a further disturbance broke out, Scotland Yard said. Seven officers received minor injuries — mainly cuts and bruises — while one suffered a fracture to the hand.
Snoop Dogg may now only arrive in South Africa in time for the Durban and Cape Town legs of his tour.
The People’s Celebration concert will continue at the Johannesburg Stadium on Thursday with performances by Sean Paul, Pharrell Williams, Mario and local favourites such as Zola, Hip-Hop Pantsula, Jamali, Freshlyground, Loyiso and Morafe.
Ticket holders for Thursday’s show who bought their tickets especially to see Snoop Dogg will be offered a 25% refund on presentation of their ticket stub. Those who choose not to attend will be offered a full refund on presentation of their full ticket at Computicket outlets across Gauteng. Should circumstances be such that Snoop Dogg is unable to attend the Durban and Cape Town shows, a similar arrangement will apply