NEW YORK – Ariana Grande has pulled out of the MLB All-Star Concert this Saturday in Cincinnati but there is some speculation about the reason for the cancellation.
Officially, Grande’s representative said Wednesday the singer is pulling out of the show at Paul Brown Stadium because she had some of her wisdom teeth removed Monday.
A representative for Demi Lovato confirmed that she would perform Saturday instead. Lovato released a new single, “Cool for the Summer,” last week.
The free concert during the 2015 MLB All-Star Week will also include pop-rock band Rixton, best known for the hit “Me and My Broken Heart.”
However, there is a great deal of speculation that comments the 22-year-old singer made on a video that also appeared to show her licking doughnuts at a shop in Southern California.
She apologized Wednesday for saying “I hate America” and “I hate Americans” in the same video.
Police in Lake Elsinore say they and Riverside County public health officials are investigating the leaked video, which appears to show Grande and a man with her “maliciously lick” the doughnuts.
Wolfee Donuts cashier Mayra Solis says the singer didn’t purchase any of the doughnuts she licked. Solis tells the AP the pop singer “was really rude.” Grande has yet to comment on the lip action with the pastry.
The 86th MLB All-Star Game will air July 14 on Fox from the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Authorities preparing for the All-Star Game say safety measures in place include plans for protecting fans’ wallets.
A Major League Baseball official says there will be a crackdown on counterfeit tickets and merchandise. Local and federal law enforcement officers including undercover officers will intercept knock-off caps and T-shirts and target sales of bogus tickets.
Ethan Orlinsky is an MLB senior vice president who says such high-demand events attract sophisticated counterfeiters. He urges fans to be smart and wary.
Orlinsky was part of a Wednesday briefing on security plans for game-related events that begin this weekend. Cincinnati and host Reds officials say they’re confident about safety preparations.