Kodak Black Cancels Boston House Of Blues Concerts, Sparking Disturbance Outside Venue
BOSTON (CBS) – One man was arrested after a large disturbance outside the House of Blues Wednesday night. Crowds became unruly after it was announced that two scheduled performances by rapper Kodak Black were canceled.
Kodak Black was scheduled to perform at 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. but was unable to make the show after his arrest at the U.S.-Canadian border.
No official reason why Kodak Black canceled the concerts was given at the time of the scheduled shows. According to New York State Police, Kodak Black, whose legal name is Bill Kapri, was one of four people arrested Wednesday at the U.S.-Canada border on drug and weapon charges.
The House of Blues tweeted the performances were postponed. Signs were also taped onto venue doors saying the rapper would not be taking the stage.
"With sincere apologies, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Kodak Black shows have been postponed. New dates will be announced as soon as possible," the tweet said.
Boston Police were called to Lansdowne Street around 8:20 p.m. for a reported sexual assault. Upon arriving, officers found a large group "displaying generally unruly behavior as a result of a canceled show at the venue."
When officers entered the building, they found about 800 people were "growing restless" while waiting for the show to start. Police found the victim in the crowd and brought them to a waiting ambulance for evaluation.
While officers were with the victim, the crowd inside and out front became unruly, police said. Order was restored in about 30 minutes with no injuries.
Samuel Simmons, 20, of Newton was arrested after a brief struggle. Boston Police say Simmons pushed and punched House of Blues security while trying to get back into the venue through an emergency exit.
Simmons is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court on charges of assault and battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and trespassing.
The investigation into the sexual assault that initially brought police to the scene is ongoing. Simmons' arrest is not related to the sexual assault.
House of Blues was issued a licensed premises violation for the sexual assault and altercation involving Simmons.
Two people were hospitalized after the incident. One man was arrested after he allegedly assaulted a security guard. Boston Police issued a licensed premises violation to House of Blues.