Ella Langley Defends Concert Cancellation After Bomb Threat, Cites Safety Concerns
Country star Ella Langley stated her decision to cancel a sold-out show due to a bomb threat was 'not worth a human life,' despite police finding no credible threat.
Country music star Ella Langley has defended her decision to cancel a sold-out concert in Tulsa, Oklahoma, following a bomb threat, stating that the safety of her fans was paramount. The 27-year-old artist addressed the incident while performing in Lubbock, Texas, one day after her planned show at Tulsa's BOK Center was called off.
Langley became emotional on stage in Lubbock, explaining that she was responsible for the safety of 15,000 people. "When it comes to keeping you safe and making sure that this show is a safe place for us to come and enjoy our music, then it will happen," she told the crowd. "But the second, it feels like it's not, I'm not doing it. I'm not doing it because a concert's not worth a human life. It's not."
She affirmed her choice, saying, "I would have made yesterday's decision ten billion times over. And I'd do it tomorrow and I'd do it the next day." Langley emphasized that the safety of her audience superseded her desire to perform, stating, "it's not the most important thing in this life." She added that her faith in Jesus Christ was a key factor in her ability to perform the following night in Texas, admitting she would have canceled that show as well if not for her faith.
The Tulsa Police Department had stated that following routine security sweeps with K-9 units and bomb technicians, no credible threat was found at the BOK Center. In a statement, the department noted that after advising the performer's staff of their findings, the decision to cancel was still made by the artist's team. A spokesperson later indicated the incident was under investigation with assistance from the FBI.
Langley announced the cancellation on Instagram approximately two hours before the scheduled start time, citing a "serious security threat." She stated that the decision was made under the advisement of local authorities, the venue, and her security team, and that she refused to put anyone in harm's way.
The BOK Center also released a statement emphasizing that safety was their priority and that the show could not proceed. They apologized for the disappointment and assured fans that refunds would be processed.
Langley's concerts in Tulsa and Lubbock were part of her Dandelion Tour, supporting her album of the same name. The tour began in early May and was extended with additional dates.