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The United Center abruptly canceled NBA YoungBoy ’s Chicago tour stop this week, sparking backlash from the rapper’s camp and speculation about what prompted the decision.
The venue’s statement was brief, offering no explanation beyond refund information. The rapper’s team, however, framed the decision as the arena pulling back under pressure. Manager Alex Junnier described the move as the United Center having “bi**hed out,” while booking agent Andrew Lieber called the choice “super disappointing.” YoungBoy ’s mother added that the decision wasn’t her son’s, suggesting the cancellation was less about him and more about potential disruptions in the crowd.
In recent weeks, the United Center had already implemented tighter restrictions for the concert, banning all bags—even clear ones—in anticipation of heightened security concerns. Combined with YoungBoy ’s history of tension with Chicago artists like Lil Durk and the late King Von, the move has fueled speculation that the venue was wary of potential violence.
Those fears were only justified after the rapper’s Kansas City stop on Sunday night ended in chaos. A teenage fan was captured on video assaulting a 66-year-old security guard after being asked to return to his assigned seat. The guard was thrown to the ground and struck repeatedly, with the disturbing footage spreading quickly online. Authorities arrested the teen but released him to his parents pending further investigation.
The timing is hard to ignore. With YoungBoy currently pushing through a massive 45-date run across the country, venues appear to be on high alert. The Chicago stop may be scrapped, but the MASA Tour rolls on this week with shows in Columbus, Brooklyn, and Boston—none of which have been canceled.
