Posted by Ashanti and Keyshia Cole’s highly-anticipated VERZUZ encounter will have to wait. Originally scheduled for Saturday (December 12), the event has been postponed after Ashanti revealed on Instagram she tested positive for COVID-19.
“Hey y’all I can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for COVID-19,” the singer wrote. “I’m ok and not in any pain. I’m actually down to do the verzuz from my house… we’re trying to figure it all out!!!”
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In an Instagram Live session, the “Foolish” singer detailed she contracted the virus from a family member and not from traveling. With the revelation of her COVID-19 diagnosis, Verzuz made an official statement on Instagram Saturday.
“Unfortunately, we have to postpone tonight’s @Ashanti vs @KeyshiaCole #VERZUZ,” the statement read. “Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti.”
The statement continued with an urging for viewers to continue to respect COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and preventive measures while also revealing the matchup would be the first Verzuz of 2021.
“Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community. NEW DATE: January 9, 2021.”
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Fans had been anticipating the Verzuz matchup between the two ever since the Oakland bred Cole teased it on her Instagram account in May and Swizz Beatz and Timbaland later confirmed the two would square-off on December 4.
“It’s a legendary Ladies Night on Saturday December 12th with @ashanti and @keyshiacole,” the official Verzuz account wrote on Instagram.
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Naturally, fans of both artists vented their frustration on Twitter. Verzuz has become appointment television, given the number of viewers for previous battles such as Gucci Mane and Jeezy and Jill Scott’s celebration with Erykah Badu.
“If Ashanti don’t set up a ring like and do the battle from her bedroom,” one fan wrote. Even Tierra Whack had to chime in with jokes saying, “They said jlo can substitute for Ashanti!”
See more reactions to the postponement of Verzuz below.
I'm old enough to remember when staying in the house was the point of Verzuz
— Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) December 12, 2020
If Ashanti don’t set up a ring light and do the battle from her bedroom. #verzuzbattle pic.twitter.com/i4CZ2Jb2vF
— Danielle Solomon (@DanielleMS95) December 12, 2020
I’m on ya ass Ashanti. Smh. Fucked up my night #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/XPfPmfa7yi
— Big Pop Ortiz ?? (@costudios9014) December 12, 2020
Ashanti is on live talking about having the Rona and she coughed one time and I sat back so far in my house bayyy be
— Carol of the Chells ?? (@ChelsIsRight) December 12, 2020
Ummmmm, can we get some rapid test or something?
Also, back in the day, #VERZUZ used to happen virtually. We can go back to watching it on Instagram ??.No need to have everyone and their camp in one room for this.
— Jasmyn (@JasmynBeKnowing) December 12, 2020
They said jlo can substitute for Ashanti ?????????????????????
— Tierra Whack (@TierraWhack) December 12, 2020
I took off from work and cleaned my house early… only for Ashanti to be scared and cancel the #VERZUZ battle. Ion like det pic.twitter.com/JKaHUQ9LhZ
— Devin Harrington (@ItsDevinHarr) December 12, 2020
JLO showing up to take Ashanti place at the #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/gsJrCyI2Gl
— αѕн ιи τнιѕ ѕℓєιgн ❄️ (@ashakiiii) December 12, 2020
The entire point of #Verzuz when it started was everyone being able to engage FROM HOME. Why now they have to be in the same room??
— tày (@tinnkky) December 12, 2020
Bitches reacting to Ashanti canceling the #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/UjVCNOgz50
— Luka Jordan Bryant (@bryant_luka) December 12, 2020
Ashanti stop mf playing wit me and get that ass on zoom #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/bascgnfCUO
— NAT (@thicccccTalya) December 12, 2020
I planned my whole day around the Ashanti vs keyshia #VERZUZ and now it’s cancelled pic.twitter.com/BXNhkDkoYw
— the misentanglement of jada ?? (@comedianwasalu) December 12, 2020
Me Working On COVID-19 Cure For Ashanti Cause… AINT SHIT BEING CANCELED ‼️#VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/nYYrUJYDnK
— ?5️⃣ (@IAMJOVETTLI) December 12, 2020
I feel like Ashanti owe me a refund #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/c2aejZQRyH
— Juju ?? (@JuJuBreauxD) December 12, 2020
The important question is how Ashanti expected to go to the #VERZUZ battle without even self-quarantining pic.twitter.com/wMWrgpu68q
— IT not the clown (@Joymemo3) December 12, 2020
Tonight, Ashanti vs Keyshia Cole on Verzuz
COVID showing its ass again: #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/b2OIOLgTCs
— VizKila (@weszmarsh) December 12, 2020
I’m on ya ass Ashanti. Smh. Fucked up my night #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/XPfPmfa7yi
— Big Pop Ortiz ?? (@costudios9014) December 12, 2020
Ashanti: Hey guys, can’t believe I’m saying this but I tested positive for Covid
Also Ashanti in South Africa 4 days ago: #Verzuz pic.twitter.com/Q9ud1abwPr
— k a r y. (@itsKARY_) December 12, 2020
everyone right now #VERZUZ pic.twitter.com/6f36wGasPU
— josh edwards (@joshuedwrds) December 12, 2020