Police stopped Rihanna from performing a free concert and marching with protesters in Baltimore

'Rihanna wants to walk with protesters as well as perform a free concert'

Rihanna performs onstage at The Inaugural Diamond Ball presented by Rihanna and The Clara Lionel Foundation at The Vineyard on 11 December 2014.

R&B artist Rihanna was reportedly stopped by police from holding a free concert and march in Baltimore during unrest early this year.

The Baltimore Sun released documents on Monday night showing that the singer's management requested permission to perform in Baltimore shortly after violent riots broke out after the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who died of a severed spine in police custody.

The message was sent to the department's media officer Eric Kowalczyk: “Rihanna wants to walk with protesters as well as perform a free concert. He added that she will we be arriving by plane and in an effort to divert press/media she will be traveling to the city by train (or by car if necessary).”

However, an update was later sent to former police commissioner Anthony Batts turning down the concert claiming police didn't have a permit.

"Possible Rihanna Concert at Penn & North. No time given. Police are claiming they have no permit so it will not be allowed," the email read.

During the uprising, the superstar posted an image to her Instagram account — Baltimore-based photographer Devin Allen’s image of a black police officer with tears in his eyes.

On 10 May, Prince held a "Rally 4 Peace" concert in Baltimore where he performed a new protest song titled "Baltimore." The "Purple Rain" singer also brought State Attorney Marilyn J. Mosby onto the stage at Royal Farms Arena.

Read more:
Prince to play Freddie Gray tribute concert in Baltimore

State of emergency declared as vandals ransack stores and set fire to police cars after Freddie Gray's funeral