Jay-Z apologizes after Yankee Stadium show starts hours late, says there was a safety issue

Jay-Z apologized to fans after an hourslong delay at his Sunday night show, telling the crowd at Yankee Stadium that a safety issue prompted security to close the doors. “Let me explain the delay to you guys. It was like 10,000 people outside and they closed all the doors. Somebody rushed the door, and they closed the door for you guys’ safety and everybody’s safety outside,” he said in a video posted on X. “It’s 10,000 people outside. I don’t want to start music and people get trampled. I’m really sorry for the inconvenience but I had to make sure everybody’s OK.” In the video, the crowd could be heard cheering and screaming. The show was supposed to kick off at 8 p.m. ET but started three hours late, according to The Hollywood Reporter. A video posted on X showed a large crowd outside the stadium, waiting to enter. In another video, New York police officers are seen standing by the front door as people are slowly let inside. The New York Yankees, Roc Nation, and Live Nation said in a joint statement that hundreds of people in large groups who did not have tickets to the show “stormed over peaceful ticketholders, and in some cases, breached security” at various entrances. As a result, gates at all entrances were closed “for an extended period of time.” “With the thoughtful guidance of the NYPD, gates were reopened cautiously and carefully to ensure the safety of those inside and outside,” the statement said. “The Yankees, Roc Nation and Live Nation express our deep gratitude to the NYPD and to Yankee Stadium security personnel for their leadership and direction throughout the evening, putting the welfare of attendees above all other considerations.” Sunday night’s show wrapped Jay-Z’s three-night hometown concert at the stadium to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album — “Reasonable Doubt” — and the 25th anniversary of “The Blueprint.” Special guests at the shows included his wife and singer-songwriter Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Nas, Eminem, Rihanna, Usher, Teyana Taylor and Pharrell Williams, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The rapper plans to continue the concert in London, Paris and Los Angeles.