And just like that, due to recent changes to her Asian promotional tour schedule, Taylor Swift will not be appearing at this year’s Melbourne Cup, a joint statement from Mushroom Events and the Victoria Racing Club said yesterday.
“Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup,” said Mushroom Events’ head Michael Gudinski.
“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.”
Swift was reportedly going to perform two songs off her latest album, Lover. It was due to be the first time she’d visited Australia since last year’s Reputation stadium tour.
The cancellation comes amid backlash from animal rights groups who have accused her of “endorsing animal abuse”. Since 2013, six race horses have died on the race course, with one being euthanised last year after suffering a fractured shoulder.
A replacement act has not yet been announced.
