Published 15:29 IST, September 24th 2019
Taylor Swift pulls out of Melbourne gig amidst reports of animal abuse
The pop sensation Taylor Swift has swiftly pulled out of a performance at the Melbourne Cup with animal rights advocates assuming credit after a campaign
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According to reports, Pop sensation Taylor Swift promptly pulled out of a performance at the Melbourne Cup with animal rights advocates assuming credit after a campaign to throw light on cruelty to racehorses. The Grammy award-winning was announced as the showstopping act for the "race which stops a nation" earlier this month and was scheduled to sing two songs from her latest hit album 'Lover'.
Lover causes backlash
The album was a hit but it ignited a backlash on social media and push by the Campaign for the Protection of Racehorses who iterated to put money before compassion and was endorsing animal abuse. Reportedly, over 65,000 people signed an online request to cancel the event. In the statement late on September 22, promoter of the event cited scheduling problems as the reason for the singer's no-show. The statement further said that changes to her Asian promo schedule has made it logistically impossible for her to be here.
Conservationists laud decision
Reportedly, The Campaign for the Protection of Racehorses has applauded the decision and in a statement said that pressure on Taylor Swift to cancel her performance was huge. The statement further read that her fans did not want to see her supporting animal abuse. While the reason being used by the racing industry is a scheduling mix-up, it looks as if she has responded to their calls. According to reports 6 horses have dies at the Melbourne Cup since 2013 with one last year when Irish five-year-old The CliffsofMoher was euthanized after surviving a fractured right shoulder enduring a race that has been run on the first Tuesday of November since 1876. Neil Wilson who is the Victoria racing club chief executive said that obviously this will be disappointing for everyone and that they understand how important the pre-match entertainment is and that he looks forward to providing an update soon.
18:10 IST, September 22nd 2019