Eminem took the stage in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (December 7) to perform at the F1 Grand Prix, marking his first public appearance since the death of his mother, Debbie Nelson.
The event at the Yas Etihad Arena was part of his ongoing promotion for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), his latest album. During the performance, the icon seemed to subtly address his mother’s recent passing.
While performing his 2002 hit “Without Me” from The Eminem Show, he omitted the infamous line, “F*** you, Debbie!” Instead, he let the 40,000-strong crowd fill in the words.
Nelson passed away on December 2 in St. Joseph, Missouri, after battling lung cancer. She was 69. Despite speculation that Eminem might cancel the appearance, he reassured fans through social media that he would honor the commitment.
Eminem’s relationship with his mother was notoriously tumultuous, often chronicled in his music. In tracks like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” and “My Mom,” he accused her of abuse, neglect, and drug addiction, painting a picture of a chaotic upbringing. In “My Mom,” he rapped about being exposed to prescription drugs during his childhood, alluding to Nelson’s struggles with substance abuse.
Their conflict spilled into the public eye in 1999 when Nelson sued Eminem for defamation following the release of “My Name Is.” The track included the scathing lyric: “I just found out my mom does more dope than I do/I told her I’d grow up to be a famous rapper/Make a record about doin’ drugs and name it after her.”
She sought $10 million in damages but ultimately settled for $25,000, receiving only $1,600 after legal fees.
Over the years, Eminem’s animosity toward his mother remained a recurring theme in his music. The “Without Me” line became a symbol of their fractured bond. However, Nelson’s death seems to have brought a quiet shift.
By choosing not to deliver the line himself, Eminem hinted at a possible reconciliation with his past. Whether this moment signifies closure or a deeper reflection remains uncertain, but it left a poignant mark on an already emotional performance.
