Melbourne Cup, with animal rights activists taking credit after a campaign to highlight cruelty to racehorses. |
The Grammy Award-winner was announced as the headline act for the "race that stops a nation" earlier this month and was due to sing two songs from her latest hit album "Lover".
But it
sparked a backlash on social media and a push by the Campaign for the
Protection of Racehorses, which claimed she had "put money before
compassion" and was "endorsing animal abuse".
More than
6,500 people signed an online petition urging her to cancel.
In a
statement late Saturday, promotor Mushroom Events cited scheduling issues as
the reason for Swift's no-show.
"Changes
to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be
here," it said.
The
Campaign for the Protection of Racehorses applauded the decision.
"The
pressure on Taylor Swift to cancel her performance was significant," it
said on Facebook.
"Her
fans did not want to see her supporting animal abuse. Whilst the reason being
used by the racing industry is a scheduling mix-up, it appears to us that she
has responded to those calls."
Six horses
have died at the Melbourne Cup since 2013, including one last year when Irish
five-year-old The CliffsofMoher was euthanised after suffering a fractured
right shoulder during a race that has been run on the first Tuesday of November
since 1876.
"Obviously,
this (Swift pulling out) is disappointing for everyone," said Victoria
Racing Club chief executive Neil Wilson.
"We
understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to
providing an update (on other acts) shortly."
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