Taylor Swift Cancels Melbourne Cup Performance After Animal Rights Criticism

Taylor Swift  has canceled a scheduled performance at Australia’s Melbourne  Cup, after animal rights activists campaigned against her appearance at the horse racing event.

The Cup announced Swift as its headline act earlier this month, but cancelled on Saturday, citing scheduling issues.

After Swift’s performance was announced, animal rights group Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses called on Swift to cancel as part of their #NupToTheCup campaign, pointing to the deaths of numerous horses during the race.

The singer had been criticised by animal rights groups, who accused her of “endorsing animal abuse”.

Six horses have died at the Cup since 2013, including one horse who was euthanised on the course last year after fracturing his shoulder.

The Cup’s organisers have not confirmed who will replace Swift as the headline act on 5 November.