Looks like Taylor Swift won't be performing in Australia this year after all. The "Shake It Off" singer canceled a planned Nov. 5 show at Australia's Melbourne Cup after facing pressure from animal rights activists, CNN reports. Swift was initially gung-ho about her only Aussie show, saying "I can't wait to come to Melbourne, and I can't wait to come to the Melbourne Cup," per ABC News Australia. "I've heard so much about the race." But pressure from the animal rights group Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses appeared to change her mind. "Taylor Swift has put money before compassion by agreeing to perform at the 2019 Melbourne Cup," the group posted on Facebook. "An event where at least 6 horses have been KILLED over the past 6 years."
"With such huge success already, she could easily afford to not only say NO, but use the opportunity to help the horses by speaking up against horse cruelty in the racing industry," the group added, suggesting Swift should cancel if she "cares at all about other animals the way she appears to care about cats." Following the Sept. 11 post and a #NupToTheCup Twitter campaign, Swift pulled out—but hasn't given a clear reason why. "Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup," said a music booking agency rep, per the Guardian. "Changes to her Asian promo schedule have made it logistically impossible for her to be here." The top exec for the Victoria Racing Club—host of the cup—called it "disappointing for everyone." (More Taylor Swift stories.)
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