Fantasia Defends Postponed ‘All Lives Matter’ Concert After Facing Social Media Backlash

Fantasia went on Facebook to defend her postponed "All Lives Matter" concert, after she received backlash for the event.

Fliers promoting the event said, “Hear Me Now! – All Lives Matter.” Of course, the singer received a prompt, harsh response for the language she chose, particularly given the recent police shootings of Keith Scott and Terence Crutcher. Fantasia, however, stands by her words. In two videos the singer posted on Facebook, she and her husband, Kendall Taylor, defend themselves and their "all lives matter" stance.

“I understand that our people are still in poverty and we’re not getting certain things that we deserve," she said in the video. "I understand that, but the only way we’re going to get it is not through tearing up buildings. Two thousand years ago, Jesus ended the debate on which lives matter. He died for all us. All of us. Martin Luther King stood for love and unity for all people. United we stand, divided we fall. Let’s all stand together. So black lives matter, yes they do. All lives matter.”

Her husband agreed.  “It’s real easy to critique somebody sitting behind your desk, or behind your smartphone […] and you’re talking about a word between ‘all’ and ‘black’. Black lives matter because all lives matter," he said. "What kind of flyer do ya’ll want? We’ll send out some individual flyers. You hit us up, you let us know what flyer is going to get you motivated to come into the street. You want a blue flyer? You want a green flyer? Rainbow flyer? A purple flyer? Whatever flyer it takes to get you to fly to your house and fly away from your excuses […] Put all the details to the side. Pick up your sword, put on your armor, gird yourself, and have something to fight for."

Anthony Hamilton, who is currently touring with Fantasia and has been vocal about police violence, went on Twitter to proclaim he had nothing to do with the language of the controversial "all lives matter" flier, pointing to a recent Black Lives Matter article he wrote for The Root.

Watch Anthony Hamilton's video below.