R&B singer Summer Walker announced the cancelation of her tour after fans complained that she refused to hug them during meet and greets.
The 23-year-old Atlanta native first gained popularity covering mainstream hits on social media. She signed a record deal with the record label LVRN Records.
Summer is best known for her single “Girls Need Love” off her critically acclaimed debut album Last Day of Summer, released in 2018.
Summer’s personal issues, including social anxiety disorder, prevent her from coping with the stress of her newfound stardom.
On Sunday, Nov. 10, she wrote an Instagram post explaining why she declined to hug her fans who purchased expensive meet & greet VIP passes after her concerts.
“I’m an empath, and that transference of energy from that many people each day would literally KILL me,” she wrote.
“y’all may not understand what I’m talking about but for example… there’s a lot of people out here faking the funk with a smile on their face like they got it together but inside your actually suffering from some sort of traumatic experience, a loss, depressed, fearful, envious or whatever the case may be BUT I CAN FEEL IT. So I ask you please respect my space in those moments”.
In another post announcing the cancellation of her tour, Summer wrote:
“I truly appreciate all the support and love. As you know, I have been very open about my struggle with social anxiety. I want to continue to be healthy and to make music for y’all, so I have decided to cut down some of the dates on the tour. I hope you all can understand. I’m grateful for every single one of you, and I hope that you understand that wellness/mental health is important. All cancelled dates will be refunded asap. Thank you.”
Social anxiety disorder is a phobia characterized by a serious fear of interacting with others in social situations. Social anxiety disorder causes considerable distress and anxiety that stems from a fear of being judged or watched by others.
Sufferers avoid social situations due to an irrational fear that something bad will happen to them. Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder includes palpitations (a racing heart), panic attacks, trembling, crying, vomiting, weakness, and sweating.
