A concert in Rome has turned into an unexpected controversy for Nagarbaul James, with a hotel complaint, allegations of financial misconduct and claims of police involvement now surrounding the aftermath of his 16 August show.
The dispute began after James and his entourage stayed in apartments at a Best Western hotel ahead of the concert.
Following their departure, photographs circulated online showing rubbish, used bottles, leftover food, dirty plates and raw eggs in a kitchen sink.
Hotel officials reportedly asked the organisers to pay at least €200 for final cleaning.
But James’ camp says the singer is being dragged into a dispute that had nothing to do with his room.
James’ spokesperson Rubaiyat Thakur Robin said the complaint concerned room 549, where another musician stayed, rather than James’ room, 345. Robin stayed in room 246.
“It is not right to put the responsibility for other person’s room on James,” Robin said, calling the allegations false and claiming the controversy stemmed from an internal dispute among the organisers.
He also rejected claims that James and his team left the hotel without informing reception.
“Can so many people leave with instruments by fleeing?” Robin said, adding that the group left openly and travelled to Venice.
The controversy then widened into a financial dispute.
Italian organiser Hossain Ahmed Moaz accused Robin of failing to account for the concert’s advance payment and ticket-sale proceeds.
He also alleged that money was transferred to Bangladesh through illegal hundi channels. Police were reportedly called during the dispute.
Robin denied the allegations, saying James’ team had a contract with the organisers and that any alleged breach should be addressed through legal channels.
He said the group remained in Venice and accused the organisers of damaging Bangladesh’s image abroad.
With both sides offering sharply conflicting accounts, the Rome concert has now become a dispute extending far beyond the stage — involving allegations over hotel damage, money, contracts and conduct, all of which remain contested.
