Eminem returned to the stage at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix on December 7 following the passing of his mother, Debbie Nelson.
While the rapper has not publicly addressed her death, he made a noticeable change to his performance of the song “Without Me” from his 2002 album The Eminem Show.
During the performance, Eminem refrained from saying the controversial line, “f–k you, Debbie,” instead allowing the audience to scream it out in his place, according to the New York Post.
While some fans view this as a subtle tribute to his late mother, with whom he had a complicated relationship, others noted that Eminem has been omitting this particular lyric for years.
In fact, he did not say the line during the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, shortly after the song’s release, and continued the trend at the Austin F1 Grand Prix in October 2024.
“Without Me” was written during a turbulent time in Eminem’s relationship with Debbie, who had sued him for defamation over the content of his 1999 album The Slim Shady LP.
The legal battle ended with Debbie receiving a $25,000 settlement, which led to Eminem’s public criticism of her in songs like “Without Me” and “Cleanin’ Out My Closet.”
In 2011, however, Eminem seemed to soften his stance, saying in an interview that despite their strained relationship, he still loved his mother and had gained a better understanding of her struggles.
In 2013, the rapper issued an apology through his song “Headlights,” acknowledging the hurtful things he had said about Debbie in the past.
In the track, he expressed regret, stating, “Now I know it’s not your fault, and I’m not makin’ jokes / That song I no longer play at shows / And I cringe every time it’s on the radio.”
