In emails between the former head of media relations for Baltimore Police captain Eric Kowalczyk and an officer, dated May 1, a conversation was outlined about Rihanna’s request.
Advertisement
The Baltimore Sun released documents on Monday night showing that the singer’s management requested permission to perform in Baltimore shortly after violent riots broke out after the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died of a severed spine in police custody.
“An excerpt reads, “(A representative for Rihanna) advised that Rihanna wants to walk with the protesters as well as perform a free concert.
The officer added that Rihanna deliberate to reach by aircraft and, in an effort to divert press/media, journey to the town by practice and even by auto if essential.
“[He] stated that they had hoped to secure some extra police security and was directed by the governor’s office to seek assistance through Communications”, the emails went on to detail.
Back in April, the city of Baltimore was experiencing protest in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death at the hands of city police officers. Murphy Jr. found out that Batts had continually made this bogus claim, he sent a letter to the then-commissioner and Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake demanding that Batts stop making the false statement.
Stay tuned for updates on the allegations against the Baltimore Police Department with regards to this concert…but don’t expect the case to become too involved either.
The possible concert was also mentioned in a situation report on 1 May, which revealed the location to be the intersection of Pennsylvania and West North avenues, the focal point of the protests.
Advertisement
At the time, Rihanna posted an image of a tearful black riot police officer on Instagram.
