Popular Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, widely known as AY, has issued a public apology following a disastrous leg of his UK tour in Cardiff, Wales, where fans were left stranded after artists failed to perform due to an unresolved financial dispute with local promoters.

The controversy erupted over the weekend after disgruntled attendees took to social media to call out the veteran entertainer, describing the £350-per-ticket event as a failure.

The situation deteriorated to the point where local police officers were called to the venue to manage crowd frustration after waiting attendees began leaving the hall.

Reacting to the online backlash, AY released an official statement via Corporate World Entertainment Ltd, taking responsibility for the communication breakdown while placing the blame for the performance delay on local event organizers.

"To everyone who bought tickets and came out to see us in Cardiff, I sincerely apologise for the disappointment you experienced. Your time, money and support deserve respect," AY stated. "My fellow comedians and I travelled to Cardiff to perform and eventually entered the venue. Unfortunately, unresolved payment commitments delayed our appearance, and by the time we arrived at the hall, most of the audience had left."

Acknowledging the frustration of fans who traveled long distances to attend the show, AY called on the UK tour management team to immediately release a resolution plan and initiate ticket refunds for affected patrons.

"You deserved a properly organised show and timely information. You should never have been caught in the middle of a payment dispute... I am calling on the organisers and our UK tour management to provide a clear resolution for ticket holders, including refund information," he added.

Despite the Cardiff setback, the comedian confirmed that the remaining legs of his UK tour, including scheduled stops in Birmingham, London, and Manchester—will proceed as planned.

See the post below:

A STATEMENT ON AY LIVE CARDIFF

To everyone who bought tickets and came out to see us in Cardiff, I sincerely apologise for the disappointment you experienced. Your time, money and support deserve respect.

My fellow comedians and I travelled to Cardiff to perform and eventually entered the venue. Unfortunately, unresolved payment commitments delayed our appearance, and by the time we arrived at the hall, most of the audience had left.

You deserved a properly organised show and timely information. You should never have been caught in the middle of a payment dispute.

In this video, I explain the circumstances directly. I respectfully ask that you listen to the full account before drawing conclusions.

I am calling on the organisers and our UK tour management to provide a clear resolution for ticket holders, including refund information. Verified updates will be shared through my official channels.

Birmingham — 30 October
London — 31 October
Manchester — 1 November

These shows remain scheduled, and we look forward to welcoming you.

For over twenty years, your support has helped build this brand. I value that trust and remain committed to honouring it.

Ayo Makun (AY)
Corporate World Entertainment Ltd

— AY COMEDIAN (@AYCOMEDIAN) October 26, 2026