Ace Nigerian comedian and filmmaker Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has broken his silence on the heavy backlash and growing calls for his cancellation following the collapse of the Cardiff leg of his UK tour.

Reacting to fierce public criticism after he failed to show up for the event, leaving ticket holders stranded and prompting police presence at the venue, the veteran entertainer insisted that a single difficult incident should not erase two decades of consistency and dedication to his supporters.

In an extensive statement shared across his social media platforms, AY revealed that his decision to skip the show stemmed from a long history of unfulfilled financial agreements by tour organisers, culminating in exhaustion following a five-hour drive from Sheffield.

"I have seen the insults, the judgment, and the calls to cancel AY. It hurts to see one painful night used to dismiss more than twenty years of showing up for my fans.

"For years, I have performed despite broken payments, sometimes paying colleagues out of pocket. After repeated experiences on this tour and a five-hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, I reached my limit. But the fans waiting had done nothing wrong," AY stated.

Addressing the injured parties directly, the comedian announced plans to return to Cardiff to headline a completely free show funded entirely out of pocket, clarifying that the gesture is independent of any official ticket refunds owed to patrons by the local tour promoters.

Watch the video below:

I have seen the insults, the judgement and the calls to “cancel AY”. It hurts to see one painful night used to dismiss more than twenty years of showing up for my fans.

I still do not understand why anything negative about AY seems to create immediate excitement for so many people. I wish the consistency, achievements and years of work behind this brand received that same energy.

Some respected people in the industry advised me to stay quiet and let everything die down. I understand their advice, but the people who paid to see me deserve an explanation. The internet does not forget, and my side should be heard too.

For years, I have performed despite broken payment promises, sometimes paying colleagues from my own pocket. After repeated experiences on this tour and a five hour drive from Sheffield to Cardiff, I reached my limit.

But the fans waiting had done nothing wrong. For your disappointment, wasted time and the upset you experienced, I am sincerely sorry.

Please watch this video and hear my account. You can disagree with my decision.

I also hope those who shared the criticism and negative stories will share my response with the same energy. Give people the chance to hear my explanation too.

Please consider my years of commitment alongside this one incident. I will learn from it and keep working. Calls for cancellation will not make me give up on everything we have built.

Everyone doesn't have to make me their favourite or support my shows. I respect that choice. Please also respect those who choose to hear me and continue supporting the AY brand.

Cardiff, I want to return with a free show at my own expense, subject to confirming the venue and arrangements. This does not replace any refund owed for the original event.

To everyone who has supported me or corrected me with kindness, thank you.

I still have laughter to share and people to show up for.

The show goes on. ❤️

— AY COMEDIAN (@AYCOMEDIAN) October 29, 2026