Taylor Swift Cancels Melbourne Cup Performance After Animal Rights Criticism
Australians may now have to wait until 2020 to see Taylor Swift in person but, considering the alternative, few are broken up about it.
Last week, country-turned-pop star Taylor Swift was revealed to be performing at the Melbourne Cup this year. The singer was scheduled to perform two songs in the Mounting Yard on November 5, a great boon to Swifties considering she had no Australian shows planned for her post-Lover tour. It was less of a boon to animal rights activists.
“We’re targeting more and more of the next generation coming through,” Victoria Racing Club’s chief executive Neil Wilson said to the ABC regarding the decision to bring on Swift.
However, it seems no amount of rainbows and glitter will allow an injured horse to pass as a unicorn. While a few of Swift’s fans were excited to see her come to Australia, many more were dismayed and disappointed at her decision to appear at the Melbourne Cup, which has long been criticised for its treatment of horses.
Last year, racehorse Cliffsofmoher was euthanised on the track after breaking his shoulder. He was the sixth horse to die at the Melbourne Cup since 2013.
I’m so disgusted and disappointed that my idol is performing in Australia yet for an event that is the embodiment of animal cruelty in Australia. What’s up with that? Taylor is an adult and she is fully aware of what happens at those Races. Makes me sick.
— Jaida ?? (@xswhiteteeswift) September 12, 2019
Fortunately for Australian Swifties, they need not be torn between passion and compassion any longer. The Victoria Racing Club announced yesterday that Swift has pulled out of her Melbourne Cup appearance, apparently due to scheduling problems.
“Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year’s Melbourne Cup, said Mushroom Events’ Michael Gudinski in a statement. “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.”
My heart is literally broken Taylor cancelled the Melbourne cup performance I hope you’re all fucking happy. I literally just spent $300 on a suit/ $200 on accommodation and my tickets
— Sam ? (@samsreputation) September 21, 2019
Though scheduling was the official reason given, many are happily attributing Swift’s cancellation to the widespread outcry at the initial announcement, as well as concern for animal welfare. It’s unclear whether Swift knew about the Melbourne Cup’s sordid reputation when she booked the gig, but fans are glad her name now won’t be linked with the event.
Australians may now have to wait until next year to see Taylor Swift in person. Even so, few are broken up about it considering the alternative.
TAYLOR CANCELLING THE MELBOURNE SHOW IS THE BEST THING IVE EVER HEARD LIKE THANK YOU TAYLOR
— “lucy HIIII” (@starbeamswift) September 21, 2019
Taylor prioritizing an Asian Tour over the Melbourne Cup…I’m lowkey here for it
— ????? (@Swiftness13) September 21, 2019
taylor pulling all strings to make sure she has a 'reason' to withdraw from the melbourne cup makes me admire her strategies so much more
— LEANNE : THE MAN (@savinswift) September 21, 2019
“you cared more about horses than us” omg horses are LITERALLY dying I think you’ll survive not seeing taylor perform two songs
— molly rose (@cityscreams) September 21, 2019
it's so unfair saying "y'all preferred horses over us" you know what? yes, in this situation yes. sooner or later you'll see Taylor, probably at the lover fest/lover tour but those horses won't even be alive and it's good that we aren't part of that.
— loveronica (@soitfuckingoes) September 21, 2019
There’s a certain swiftie that’s met Taylor who’s being a real bitch about Taylor cancelling her melbourne cup performance. Honey, if she does it, it’ll look like she’s endorsing animal cruelty. We don’t want her supporting animal abuse.
— ????,Anjali (@steponmygown13 is locked rip) (@darktwstedgames) September 21, 2019
i’m not even sorry for this but i have zero sympathy for people who are gonna lose money over this.. you should have thought about that when you openly endorsed an event that promotes the abuse of horses just so you could see taylor for a maximum of 10 minutes
— amy ? (@tswiftaust) September 21, 2019
The Victoria Racing Club has offered to refund any tickets bought from the time Swift was announced as performing.