'They sensed this is a bad look': The 'REAL reason' Taylor Swift pulled out of the Melbourne Cup is revealed - as the singer blames scheduling issues
Doubts have been raised over Taylor Swift's official reason for pulling out of her controversial Melbourne Cup appearance.
A statement from promoter Mushroom Events blamed scheduling issues for the singer being unable to perform at Australia's most prestigious horse racing event on Tuesday, November 5.
But according to veteran entertainment reporter Peter Ford, it's more likely that she had second thoughts due to the backlash she received from animal rights activists.
Was it really a scheduling clash? Doubts have been raised over Taylor Swift's official reason for pulling out of her controversial Melbourne Cup appearance. Pictured on August 26
Ford claimed that blaming the change of plans on logistical issues was 'laughable'.
He said: 'I would say they have reached an agreement to release her from the contract to perform, on the condition that she doesn't reveal the real reason.
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'And that is that she read up on horse racing in the last six years and that there have been six horse deaths on Melbourne Cup day.'
Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Victoria Racing Club and Taylor Swift's publicist, Tree Paine, for comment.
Cancelled! The ten-time Grammy winner was set to perform two songs at Flemington Racecourse on Tuesday, November 5. Pictured: Two horses cross the finish line at last year's Melbourne Cup on November 6, 2018
On Saturday, Michael Gudinski from Mushroom Events announced that Taylor would no longer be performing at the Melbourne Cup.
'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,' he said.
Victoria Racing Club CEO Neil Wilson also said in a statement: 'The VRC has learned that Taylor Swift is now unable to make the trip to Australia and therefore cannot be with us on Melbourne Cup Day.
'Obviously, this is disappointing for everyone. We understand how important the pre-Cup entertainment is and we look forward to providing an update shortly.'
'Terrible career move': Taylor had faced widespread criticism from animal rights activists when her Melbourne Cup performance was first announced earlier this month
Taylor had faced widespread criticism from animal rights activists when her Melbourne Cup performance was first announced earlier this month.
One concerned fan tweeted at the time: 'Dear Taylor, cancel this performance in an instant! The Melbourne Cup promotes animal cruelty and every year a horse dies due to the cruelty of that event.'
Another person wrote: 'If she cares about her fans she will cancel. Horse racing is disgusting and cruel. [Taylor], please cancel... [This is a] terrible career move.'
A third comment read: '[I'm] a bit grossed out that the incredible Taylor Swift is throwing her support being the horrible "sport" of horse racing (aka animal torture day) at Melbourne Cup.'
Warning: Several fans predicted that Taylor's performance would be a 'PR disaster' for the star
'She does not pay attention to... animal cruelty': Others claimed Taylor's decision to support horse racing proved that she has a moral blind spot when it comes to animal cruelty
VIP treatment: International celebrity guests are a fixture of the Melbourne Cup, with previous visitors including Sam Smith (pictured in 2018), Paris Jackson and Paris Hilton
Several fans claimed Taylor's decision to support horse racing proved that she has a moral blind spot when it comes to animal cruelty.
One person wrote on Twitter: 'She claimed support for Democrats, LGBT [people] and human rights. But she does not pay attention to the fact that the Melbourne Cup is notorious for promoting animal cruelty.'
After Taylor pulled out of the event on Sunday, animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) applauded her decision.
A PETA spokesperson said: 'Taylor Swift dumped the Melbourne Cup and PETA couldn't be happier... None of this cruelty is consistent with the kind person we know Taylor to be.'
Welcome news: After Taylor pulled out of the event on Sunday, animal rights organisation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) applauded her decision
