Lauryn Hills is off the hook as Essence takes blame for a set that wrapped after 3:30 a.m. Stephanie Mills, however, is still hot over how the festival was run.

Essence Festival of Culture is taking responsibility for Lauryn Hill's performance ending after 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 5. The organizers released a statement on Instagram about the delayed set at Caesars Superdome.

Essence has stepped in to make it crystal clear that no slander against Ms. Lauryn Hill will be tolerated following her perceived “late” performance at Essence Fest 2025. In an Instagram post in response to backlash, the festival issued a loving and firm statement backing the star.