Lauryn Hill cancels upcoming London gig after being barred from the UK for 'past legal situation'

By Sara Malm for MailOnline

Published: 03:37 EST, 15 July 2015 | Updated: 04:50 EST, 15 July 2015

Lauryn Hill has cancelled her upcoming gig in London after being barred from entering the UK.

The 40-year-old has released a statement apologising to her fans, saying that her 'past legal situation' is preventing her from coming to England.

It is believed the situation the former Fugees singer is referring to is her conviction for tax evasion in 2013. 

Disappointed fans: Lauryn Hill has cancelled her upcoming gig in London after being barred from entering the UK

Disappointed fans: Lauryn Hill has cancelled her upcoming gig in London after being barred from entering the UK

Lauryn, who was due to play at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on Wednesday, wrote on her Facebook page: 'I've been informed that I won't be able to enter the UK for a period of time due to my past legal situation.

'For this reason I have to cancel my concert on July 15th. Know that I was looking forward to performing in London this summer, and that I appreciate all of my fans and supporters both in London, and throughout the UK. 

Her fans were understandably upset to hear of the cancellation, with one writing: "Bulls***... they can't hold a queen down!'

Another added: 'No to Lauryn Hill - but Kanye West can come and pollute our ear drums as and when he chooses to.' 

Cancelled: The 40-year-old has released a statement apologising to her fans, saying that her 'past legal situation' is preventing her from coming to England

Cancelled: The 40-year-old has released a statement apologising to her fans, saying that her 'past legal situation' is preventing her from coming to England

Songstress: It is believed the situation the former Fugees singer is referring to is her conviction for tax evasion in 2013

Songstress: It is believed the situation the former Fugees singer is referring to is her conviction for tax evasion in 2013

The former Fugees singer was sentenced to three months in prison for tax evasion after failing to file federal tax returns for her earnings between 2005 and 2007, some $1.8million. 

After pleading guilty, she served three months at a prison in Danbury, Connecticut.  

Despite now allegedly being barred from entering the UK, she played five gigs in London as recent as September.

The first of the concerts was slammed by many fans and had concertgoers walk out of Brixton Academy in south London.

The singer turned up 90 minutes late after which she performed heavily remixed versions of her hits and suffered technical issues.

Back in the day: Lauryn poses with her fellow Fugees bandmembers Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel after winning big at the 2005 Grammys

Back in the day: Lauryn poses with her fellow Fugees bandmembers Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel after winning big at the 2005 Grammys

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