Taylor Swift has pulled out of her controversial Melbourne Cup performance, following intense backlash.
The Shake It Off singer was due to be appearing at the bash on 5 November, but has been forced to quit after ‘scheduling conflicts’.
A spokesperson for the 29-year-old confirmed the news in a statement, which read: ‘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 Taylor in Australia in 2020.’
While Neil Wilson, CEO of Victoria Racing Club explained the news was ‘disappointing for everyone.
‘We understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly.’
Taylor was criticised by fans for agreeing to perform at the annual event in Australia, as six horses have died there since 2013.
At last year’s Melbourne Cup, a horse was put down on the track, after he fractured his shoulder.
Shortly after the Love Story singer was announced to be taking part, upset fans begged her to reconsider, with Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses blasting her decision.
In a statement on Facebook at the time, they said: ‘Taylor Swift has put money before compassion by agreeing to perform at the 2019 Melbourne Cup.
‘An event where at least 6 horses have been killed over the past 6 years.
‘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.’
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