Updated

Updated · Complex · Jun 27

ASAP Rocky Blasts Internet Critics on Tour as Wardrobe Rumors and Rihanna Comments Swirl Around 3 Children

Updated

Updated · Complex · Jun 27

ASAP Rocky Blasts Internet Critics on Tour as Wardrobe Rumors and Rihanna Comments Swirl Around 3 Children

Q: Did viral outrage ultimately help or hurt ASAP Rocky's 'Don't Be Dumb' tour?

It appears to have helped more than hurt. The backlash around ASAP Rocky’s on-stage joke and the viral “thong” rumor created negative chatter, but there is little evidence that it damaged the commercial performance of the “Don’t Be Dumb” tour. Reporting tied to the tour points instead to strong attendance, multiple sold-out dates, and claims that more than 90% of tickets were sold on the primary market. Just as important, Rocky and his team turned at least one controversy into promotion. After fans mistook his wireless mic pack for thong underwear, AWGE publicly mocked the rumor and even spun it into merchandise. That response kept the story in circulation while reframing it as a joke at the internet’s expense rather than a reputational blow. The broader effect seems to be that the online outrage fed attention around Rocky at a moment when the tour was already being framed as a major cultural event. Coverage suggests the live show’s scale, theatrics, and Rocky’s celebrity narrative—including his relationship with Rihanna and constant online scrutiny—made the tour harder to ignore, not easier to dismiss. That said, the controversies were not cost-free. The Phoenix remark prompted real criticism and forced Rocky to address speculation publicly onstage. But based on the available evidence, the outrage generated more visibility than damage, and the tour’s reported sales and turnout suggest it ultimately worked in his favor.

3 articles · Updated · Complex · Jun 27

ASAP Rocky used a stop on his Don't Be Dumb tour to lash out at online critics, rejecting rumors about his wardrobe, claims of weak ticket sales and accusations he disrespected Rihanna.
A viral photo days earlier had fueled claims he wore thong underwear onstage, but AWGE said fans mistook a wireless mic pack for branded underwear.
Rocky also pushed back on attendance chatter as his nationwide tour has continued posting strong crowds, with multiple dates reportedly selling out.
The Rihanna backlash followed a Phoenix concert joke about what he was like when single, which split fans over whether the remark was harmless banter or inappropriate.
Rihanna, with whom Rocky shares 3 children, has still publicly backed the tour and recently praised him while showing off his Vibe cover.