Just 10 days after it was announced Taylor Swift would be headling Melbourne Cup day’s entertainment, the Blank Space singer has pulled out of the event.
Mushroom Events and the Victorian Racing Club confirmed the news on Sunday, blaming the cancellation on a last-minute change in Taylor’s tour itinerary.
“Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup. Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here. To all of Taylor’s fans, we hope to see Australia in 2020,” Michael Gudinski from Mushroom Events said in a statement.
Victorian Racing Club CEO Neil Wilson added: “The VRC has learned that Taylor Swift is now unable to make the trip to Australia and therefore cannot be with us on Melbourne Cup Day.
“Obviously this is disappointing for everyone. We understand how important pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly.”
Taylor Swift has pulled out of the Melbourne Cup
(Image: Getty)It comes after Taylor faced backlash for her involvement in the high-profile event from animal rights activists.
Outraged fans and groups including the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses called for her to cancel what was to be her only Australian appearance on Tuesday November 5.
“Taylor Swift has put money before compassion by agreeing to perform at the 2019 Melbourne Cup,” the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses wrote online.
“Horses are being killed for gambling profits and entertainment. If Taylor Swift cares at all about other animals the way she appears to care about cats, she will cancel her show and make a strong statement that animal abuse is unacceptable.
The Melbourne Cup has garnered quite a reputation for attracting high-profile overseas stars over the years.
In 1985, Princess Diana herself was the special guest stunning crowds with her classy black and white outfit. Dita Von Teese and was queen of the members area in 2013.
And back in 2017, Michael Jackson’s daughter Paris attended but received backlash for eschewing the strict dress code as well as being snapped sticking her tongue out while her nose and hands were pressed up against a window.
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