Rapper DMX has
canceled a planned week-long tour to entertain United States troops in Kuwait
and Iraq.According
to the United Service Organizations, the rapper, born Earl Simmons, was supposed
to depart for the Persian Gulf region on Aug. 22. DMX
delayed his departure until Aug. 23, but failed to appear on time for a flight
to Kuwait. "We
are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked
us to arrange for him," said John Hanson, USO senior vice president for marketing
and communications. "When we announced this tour, troops were extremely excited
about the possibility of seeing a performer they admired. We understand their
disappointment."The
USO said the military worked hard to accommodate the superstar rapper’s travel
requests, due to his popularity among the troops."Typically,
it takes up to 45 days to arrange transportation, housing, production assistance
and country clearances for entertainment tours," Hanson said. "This
tour was put together in just under two weeks, because we know how much service
men and women appreciate his performances. Mr. Simmons let a lot of people down."The
USO is a non-profit charity organization dedicated to the morale, welfare and
extracurricular activities for U.S. military members at home and abroad. 50
Cent, Ludacris, Master P., Lil’ Romeo are among the entertainers that have volunteered
their time for performances in recent years. "We
will continue to provide quality entertainment to the people who defend us daily
around the world in some remote and often dangerous places," said Hanson.
"Fortunately, most performers honor their obligation to perform once they
make the commitment."