R. Kelly Cancels 'Love Letter' Cruise

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R. Kelly, singer of such classic r&b songs as “Step In the Name of Love” and “Ignition,” has put the brakes on an upcoming event for his fans. Kelly announced Monday that he is pulling out of the “Love Letter Cruise” after claiming that organizer Concerts Cruise LLC failed to pay him to appear.

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“Concerts Cruise LLC has been unable to meet its financial obligations to a scheduled cruise with featured performer R. Kelly and will therefore have to cancel this cruise,” a statement from the singer reads. “R. Kelly had been looking forward to the cruise and was ready, willing and able to perform for fans.  He is sorry for any disappointment but plans to see his fans very soon on a U.S. tour. Ticket holders should contact Concerts Cruise LLC to handle refunds."

Scheduled to leave Miami on Oct. 1, the cruise was supposed to feature two performances by Kelly, along with a small roster of supporting acts, for some 2,600 of the singer’s fans. Attendees would sail on a Carnival Cruise Line vessel to three locations: Grand Turks, Nassau, Bahamas, and Half Moon Cay, a private island owned by Carnival. Fares started at $1,499 per person, based on double occupancy.

Reportedly, Concert Cruises sent an email to fans who purchased tickets and informed them that refunds would be issued. When contacted for comment by the Los Angeles Times, the company did not respond, and also deleted its Facebook and Twitter accounts.