Justin Timberlake has been called out for cancelling the final show of the US leg of his Forget Tomorrow world tour.
The Grammy winner, 44, said he was “heartbroken” to be pulling out of the concert at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, as he was “battling the flu”.
The former *NYSNC star made the announcement just “minutes” before the show was due to kick off - at the same venue where he cancelled a concert on October 23 due to laryngitis and bronchitis.
“You guys, I'm heartbroken, I have to cancel the show tonight. I went into soundcheck battling the flu and now it's gotten the best of me,” the singer wrote on Instagram.
“It kills me to disappoint you and my team who worked so hard to make this show happen. I want to reassure you, you'll be getting refunds for your tickets. I love you all.”
Some fans blasted the “shameful” singer for cancelling at such short notice, with one writing: “Canceling [because] of being sick is 100 per cent understandable. Canceling 10 minutes before the doors were to open is unacceptable.”
Another added: “The show was canceled at 7:30 and the show was supposed to start at 8:00, I’m sorry if you have the flu you would’ve know before 1/2hour before the show starts. There were little kids standing in line that was devastated that you canceled. Shame on you.”
A third asked: “Could you have told fans sooner than 12 minutes before the show starts?”
Others defended the SexyBack singer and shared their wishes that he get better soon.
“Take care of yourself Justin, I know you are heartbroken the tour ended this way. We love you so much, never forget that,” one wrote.
“The flu is no joke! I know this isn’t how you’d want to end this magnificent tour, and would only make this decision at that time, because you had no choice. Rest up, be well, and thank you so much for the magic you provided for us on this tour,” another posted.
Everyone leaving Nationwide Arena because Justin Timberlake cancelled the LAST tour date after already rescheduling from October. 10 minutes before the opener and after doors opened. pic.twitter.com/d40RJWiLCh
— Kyle (@kmac789) February 28, 2025
The Standard has contacted Timberlake’s representative for further comment.
Ticketmaster announced on Thursday: “Unfortunately, the Event Organizer has had to cancel your event.
“You don't need to do a thing. We'll issue a refund to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, as soon as funds are received from the Event Organizer. It should appear on your account within 14-21 days.”
They added: “Please Note: If the tickets were transferred to you, the refund will go to the fan who originally purchased the tickets from Ticketmaster.”
