*New emails released Monday show that Rihanna wanted to come to Baltimore in the week after rioting broke out to join protesters in the streets and perform a free concert. But police would not give her a permit for the planned show, according to The Baltimore Sun.
In a message dated May 1 sent to Capt. Eric Kowalczyk, then the head of media relations for Baltimore Police, an officer details a conversation he had with the singer’s representative.
The rep “advised that Rihanna wants to walk with the protesters as well as perform a free concert,” the officer wrote, according to The Sun. “He added that she will be arriving by plane and in an effort to divert press/media she will be traveling to the city by train (or by car if necessary).
“[He] stated that they had hoped to secure some extra police security and was directed by the Governor’s office to seek assistance through Communications.”
An officer who was carbon copied on the email forwarded it to Anthony Batts, who was then the police commissioner. Kowalczyk also passed the message along to Kevin Harris, a spokesman for Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
The possible concert was also mentioned in a situation report dated May 1 and indicates police might have stopped any attempt at holding a show.
“Possible Rihanna Concert at Penn & North,” the update reads. “No time given. Police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed.”
During the unrest, Rihanna posted a picture taken by Baltimore photographer Devin Allen of a black police officer with tear-filled eyes to her Instagram. Her only comment was an emoji with a tear falling down its cheek.
Prince, on the other hand, was allowed to perform in Baltimore. His May 10 show at the Royal Farms Arena included “Baltimore,” a song he wrote about the unrest in the wake of Freddie Gray’s death.
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