Taylor Swift cancels Melbourne Cup performance
Pop star Taylor Swift has pulled out of her upcoming Melbourne Cup performance citing scheduling problems.
Swift had been set to perform two hits from her latest album Lover at Flemington Racecourse on November 5 but changes to her promotional schedule in Asia have made that impossible, promoters said.
It follows fierce backlash from animal activists, demanding the US star cancel.
"Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year's Melbourne Cup," Mushroom Events' Michael Gudinski said in a statement on Saturday.
"Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here."
Fans who purchased tickets to the cup since Swift's performance was announced last week can get a refund, the Victoria Racing Club says.
It comes after the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses called on social media for Swift to say #NupToTheCup.
Many fans took to Twitter on Saturday praising her reversal.
"Really happy to hear @taylorswift13 cancelled her Melbourne Cup show. We don't need to be supporting that kind of industry," one said.
"Hopefully you come to Australia soon that doesn't involve supporting animal cruelty," wrote another.
Victoria Racing Club chief executive Neil Wilson said the cancellation was disappointing.
"The (club) has learned that Taylor Swift is now unable to make the trip to Australia and therefore cannot be with us on Melbourne Cup Day," he said.
"We understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly."
Last week, Swift said she "can't wait to come to Melbourne, and I can't wait to come to the Melbourne Cup," the Herald Sun reported.
"I've heard so much about the race."
Ticketholders who want a refund can contact the Victoria Racing Club on 1300 727 575.
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