Making his way into the finale on American Idol, Jamal Roberts watched his dream of winning the competition come true. Going from a P.E. teacher in Mississippi to the winner of American Idol, the singer needed some time to adjust to his newfound fame. But even with the show over, Roberts continued to perform. He even received a warm welcome from the school he worked at. But recently, the rising star learned about the downside of fame when people took issue with Roberts gaining the key to the city.

American Idol' Winner Declines Key to the City After Receiving Death Threats: “It's a Sad World We Live In” - American Songwriter

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When taking the stage in Atmore, Alabama, Roberts was shocked when the mayor presented him with the key to the city. And it seemed Atmore wasn’t the only city looking to give the singer a key. While preparing for a performance in Laurel, Mississippi, the singer learned he would be gifted a key. The moment came when local organizer Drake Paige wrote on Facebook, “I just got word that the mayor Johnny Magee will let me present Jamal Roberts with the ” key to the city ” August 2nd! This is big ! Look at GOD moving!”

Jamal Roberts Shocked Over Backlash

Although a moment of celebration, some had a problem, suggesting the key should go to people who took steps to help Laurel. “He ain’t from laurel. That ain’t fair now.” Another person added, “Jamal Roberts from Meridian who only came through Laurel to get to Hattiesburg.” the comments continued to stack up. “The way yall carrying on you would think the man donating $187788669997556775578.00 to Laurel. Congrats to him and his many accolades but y’all gotta chill. Ian watched American idol since Rueben Studdard.”

Sadly, the negative comments eventually turned into threats as Roberts shared, “You have people sharing the post, making threats, talking about they’ll have guns at the event.” He continued, “I worked with kids before ‘American Idol’ and it’s crazy that … kids can comprehend (how to behave) more than grown folk. It’s a sad world we live in.”

With Roberts only wanting to share his gift with fans, he decided to decline the offer. He wrote on Paige’s post, “Although I am appreciative, I did not ask for it, but I am thankful.”

With some taking issue with the gift, most fans celebrated how Roberts handled the backlash. “Jamal Roberts don’t read the negative comments. God is using you – that’s all that matters.”