NEW YORK (CNN) - Fans looking forward to "The Best of Both Worlds" concert featuring R&B singer R. Kelly and hip-hop megastar Jay-Z may now be looking for a ticket refund after Kelly was barred from the remaining tour dates in the New York area, amid reports of a feud and accusations of an assault.
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| Rapper, impresario Jay-Z |
Kelly walked off the stage Friday night after suspecting that two audience members were reaching for guns inside their coat jackets, according to his publicist, Allan Mayer.
When he attempted to return to the stage and continue his performance, Mayer said a member of Jay-Z's entourage sprayed Kelly and his two security guards with pepper spray. They were taken to Manhattan's St. Vincent's hospital for treatment.
CNN calls to Jay-Z's publicists were not returned.
According to a statement released by the singer, Kelly "shares his fans' disappointment that despite his willingness to continue performing, the promoter has cancelled his 'Best of Both Worlds' concert tour with Jay-Z."
"The fans deserve better than this," Kelly said in the statement. "I'd like the show to go on. It's really disappointing that Jay-Z and the promoter don't."
The remaining New York area tour dates will be filled by Jay-Z "and Special Guests," according to the Continental Airlines Arena's and Madison Square Garden's Web sites. R. Kelly fans will be able to refund their tickets, which are priced from $35 to over $120.
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Mary J. Blige and Usher performed in Kelly's place Saturday night at the Continental Arena in the Meadowlands, N.J.
It is not clear if the rest of the tour, scheduled through the end of November, will be cancelled or if "Jay-Z and Special Guests" will perform instead.
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