Madonna Faces Lawsuit Over Late Starts: Fans Sue Pop Icon for ‘False Advertising’ in New York Concerts
4 min read
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation
Pop icon Madonna is facing legal trouble as two fans, Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, file a lawsuit against her and concert organizer Live Nation. The fans allege that Madonna’s New York concerts at Barclays Center started a staggering two hours late, accusing the singer of “false advertising.”
History of Tardiness and Lawsuit Details
This isn’t the first time Madonna has been entangled in legal battles over late starts. The lawsuit focuses on three nights of concerts in December 2023, where shows scheduled to begin at 8:30 PM ET didn’t commence until 10:30 PM. The plaintiffs claim Madonna’s actions constitute “false advertising, negligent misrepresentation, and unfair and deceptive trade practices.”
Two men have sued Madonna for ‘false advertising’ after she started her Brooklyn concerts 2 hours late.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) January 18, 2024
The men were upset that the concerts were set to start at 8:30pm but she reportedly didn’t take the stage until 10:30pm. pic.twitter.com/CSkKqlxs7U
The fans acknowledge Madonna’s health issues, which led to the rescheduling of the original concert dates from July to December. However, they argue that health concerns do not justify the significant delays on the mentioned nights.
Unspecified Damages Sought
Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, who spent $155.90 and $292.50 on tickets respectively, are seeking unspecified damages in the lawsuit. The fans emphasize Madonna’s historical pattern of starting concerts late and assert that health issues should not be used as a blanket excuse for tardiness.
Madonna’s Response and Previous Legal Troubles
Madonna’s representatives have yet to respond to the lawsuit. In the past, the Queen of Pop faced criticism during the US leg of her tour when she started her show at 11 PM, three hours late despite the scheduled start time of 8:30 PM. Technical issues and a delayed opening act were cited as reasons for the delay.
In 2019, a fan in Florida sued Madonna after she changed the set times for her Miami Beach gig. The fan claimed the ticket’s value diminished after the schedule shift and sought a refund. Additionally, in 2020, a class-action lawsuit was filed by Antonio Velotta and Andrew Panos, who alleged waiting for hours past the advertised start time of Madonna’s Madame X shows.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Outcry
Madonna’s tardiness has been a recurring source of frustration for her fans. Social media platforms were flooded with complaints during the delayed concerts, with fans expressing disappointment, demanding refunds, and criticizing the singer’s punctuality.
love madonna but it’s about time artists get called out for this, I’m not trying to drive home at 3AM 😭
— a girl with no face ⚡️ (@Stop_Hammerzeit) January 18, 2024
One fan on X tweeted, “I don’t give a f* if you’re Madonna, if you’re 3 hours late, you’re just f*ing rude.” Another user demanded a refund, saying, “2:30 hours late. I WANT A REFUND NOW.” The public outcry highlights the growing discontent among concertgoers regarding late starts.
Deserved. Artists shouldn’t get away with being late to every show pic.twitter.com/6Mp1EnkqDR
— Danny (@dannywontmiss) January 18, 2024Advertisement
Madonna’s recent lawsuit adds to the growing list of legal battles stemming from her tardiness. As the Queen of Pop faces accusations of “false advertising,” the outcome of this lawsuit could have implications for how artists are held accountable for adhering to scheduled concert start times.
Honestly, I don’t blame the men. They paid for a ticket and the show was supposed to start at a certain time. If she couldn’t make it then she shouldn’t have made the concert.
— Ayman (@GuyWhoConquers) January 19, 2024
Madonna, known for her influential career spanning decades, now navigates a legal storm fueled by disappointed fans seeking retribution for what they perceive as a breach of trust in the realm of live performances.
well, people shouldnt be late.. 2 hours is long
— 👑 SonesLoveSoshi 💗 (@soneslovesoshi) January 19, 2024
Ok sorry guys I had a drunk Thursday but what I gather some gays are suing #Madonna for starting late at the show ? Amazing . Book a day off bitches
— Dariush (@D_Roosh) January 19, 2024
God imagine social media in 1990-1993 I couldn’t cope pic.twitter.com/n6B1GPyC3W
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
