Stephanie Mills Criticizes Essence Festival Operational Failures Impacting Multiple Performances

Stephanie Mills publicly criticized the 2025 Essence Festival for significant organizational and technical failures that negatively affected her performance and the overall artist experience. She highlighted issues such as poor scheduling, time management, and sound system problems, describing the backstage environment as chaotic and stressful. These deficiencies not only disrupted performances but also diminished the audience's experience. The festival also faced criticism for poor attendance and a perceived loss of cultural focus, with attendees noting a lack of Black American cultural representation and inclusivity. Lauryn Hill's headline set started at 2:30 a.m. due to festival delays, though organizers clarified that the late start was not her fault, taking responsibility for the scheduling problems. While Essence Festival organizers apologized and defended Hill, the event's operational shortcomings sparked widespread dissatisfaction among performers and fans alike.