The Pussycat Dolls have reportedly kicked rap star Lil’ Kim off their UK tour following a string of controversies.
Kim did not appear for the final night of the run at London’s O2 Arena tonight, with the headline act said to be fed up with her unpredictable behaviour.
Lil' Kim. Photo credit: Dave C Smith, Shutterstock
A source said: “Kim didn’t show up to their gig in Manchester on Saturday night, and it was all very last minute. It threw everything into chaos and a sign just went up at the last minute to say she wouldn’t be performing.
“As a result, she hasn’t been asked back for the closing night in London tonight, which was seen as the grand finale.
“Her not showing up in Manchester was really the final straw for team PCD, there had been a string of issues where she was challenging to work with.”
No official reason was given for Kim’s absence from the Manchester show, although some fans claimed she was ill.
Lil' Kim. Photo credit: MLM IMAGES Los Angeles, Shutterstock
However, others pointed out that the rapper had shared videos on social media in the build-up to the gig, appearing to play video games on her tour bus.
Her absence came as a surprise to fans who had been expecting to see her perform alongside the group during the UK dates.
The last-minute announcement in Manchester also left concertgoers without one of the acts they had anticipated seeing on the night.
The reports of tensions between Kim and the group have raised questions about what went on behind the scenes during the tour.
However, neither the Pussycat Dolls nor Kim have publicly confirmed the reported decision to remove her from the final London show.
The Pussycat Dolls, best known for hits including Don't Cha, Buttons and When I Grow Up, have enjoyed renewed attention as they return to the stage, bringing their catalogue of pop hits back to live audiences.
Lil’ Kim, meanwhile, rose to prominence in the 1990s and became one of the most recognisable female rappers of her generation, known for tracks such as Lady Marmalade and Crush on You.
It remains unclear whether either party will comment further on the reported split following the London show.
