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Nigerian comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has responded to calls for his cancellation following the controversy surrounding his absence from the AY Live show in Cardiff, Wales.
The comedian was scheduled to perform at AY Live Cardiff on Sunday but reportedly failed to appear, leaving some attendees disappointed and prompting criticism on social media.
Following the incident, several social media users called him out over the disruption, with some demanding that he be held accountable for the experience of fans who had paid to attend the event.
In response, AY released a statement and video addressing the situation, apologising to those affected and acknowledging that their time, money and support deserved respect.
Despite his apology, criticism has continued, prompting the entertainer to issue a lengthy statement explaining his side of the story.
AY said it was painful to see one disappointing night being used to dismiss more than two decades of work and commitment to entertaining his fans.
He also questioned why negative stories about him often attract significant attention, adding that he wished his achievements and years of consistency received similar recognition.
“I have seen the insults, the judgment, and the calls to cancel AY. It hurts to see one painful night used to dismiss more than twenty years of showing up for my fans,” he wrote.
The comedian disclosed that some respected figures in the entertainment industry had advised him to remain silent until the controversy subsided. However, he said he believed the people who paid to attend the show deserved an explanation.
“The internet does not forget, and my side should be heard too,” he added.
Explaining the circumstances surrounding his absence, AY claimed that he had continued performing over the years despite broken payment promises, sometimes using his personal funds to pay colleagues.
He said repeated experiences during the tour, alongside a five-hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, pushed him to his limit.
However, he acknowledged that the audience was not responsible for the challenges he encountered.
“But the fans waiting had done nothing wrong,” he stated.
AY subsequently apologised to those who experienced disappointment and frustration because of the incident, asking them to watch his video and consider his account of what happened.
He also urged people who had shared critical reports about the controversy to give his response similar attention.
“Please consider my years of commitment alongside this one incident. I will learn from it and keep working,” he said.
The comedian maintained that the calls for cancellation would not make him abandon the career and brand he had built over the years.
He also acknowledged that not everyone would like him or support his shows, adding that he respected their right to make that choice.
AY offers to stage free Cardiff show
As part of his response, the comedian expressed his intention to return to Cardiff for a free performance at his own expense, subject to confirmation of the venue and other arrangements.
He clarified that the proposed show would not replace any refund owed to people who paid for the original event.
The offer comes amid continued debate over the incident, with fans and social media users expressing differing views about his explanation and proposed response.
Comedian says he cannot retire
Amid the controversy, AY also shared photographs of himself smoking and reflected on the idea that public relevance fades with age.
He suggested that he had not received the memo about the spotlight dimming as people grow older, maintaining that he remained relevant and was not ready to retire.
The comedian has previously credited his two children as a major motivation behind his continued hard work.
He explained that one of his reasons for remaining focused on his career was to ensure his children were financially secure and had what they needed.
AY also described caring for and nurturing his children as one of his greatest purposes in life.
Despite the backlash over the Cardiff event, the entertainer has maintained that he intends to continue working and entertaining audiences.
“The show goes on,” he concluded in his statement.
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