Judy Garland Touches off Controversy in Cincy

May 30, 1965 - Judy Garland left Cincinnati today after a tempestuous session last night in which about 1,000 persons besieged her dressing room after she broke off a concert because of illness.

A spokesman for the promoters of the concert said he thought Miss Garland was going to California, but he did not know where.

When it was announced that the Cincinnati Gardens concert would not be completed, a spokesman told the audience the 42-year-old star had said: “I am very sorry. I became ill, and I cannot sing for you. I will be back again to sing for you for free.”

Despite that, part of the crowd surged around the star’s dressing room, shouting “We want our money back!” A statement issued by the promoter said:“Since one-half of the performance had been completed, similar to 4½ innings of a baseball game and that, in effect, Miss Garland’s second half consisted of only 20 minutes, no refunds will be made.”

The performance had a top admission price of $7.50.

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