Promoters cancel R. Kelly's Australia and New Zealand tour, which the singer called 'fake'

Big Music Tour promoter has cancelled R. Kelly's upcoming Australia and New Zealand shows. Photo / AP

The promoters of R. Kelly's Australia and New Zealand tour have officially cancelled his shows due to the heightened focus on the history of sexual abuse allegations against the singer.

Kelly was due to play at Auckland's Trusts Arena on Friday February 15.

The cancellation comes after R. Kelly himself claimed on his Instagram that the tour was "fake", following backlash against the show from Kiwis.

"FAKE TOUR ALERT," wrote Kelly. "While I love all my amazing Fans in the Australia region I am NOT involved in this tour nor do I have knowledge of it, it's promoters, etc.

"I will NOT be in Australia during these dates. Watch my social media...when it's time for my next international tour (which is soon) you'll hear it directly from me. Stay tuned for more King shit in the VERY near future!"

View this post on Instagram

🚨FAKE TOUR ALERT🚨 While I love all my amazing Fans in the Australia region I am NOT involved in this tour nor do I have knowledge of it, it’s promoters, etc. I will NOT be in Australia during these dates. Watch my social media...when it’s time for my next international tour (which is soon) you’ll hear it directly from me. Stay tuned for more King shit in the VERY near future! 👑

A post shared by R Kelly (@rkelly) on Dec 14, 2018 at 3:48pm PST

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Big Music Tour, the company behind the shows, initially hit back at Kelly's claim, suggesting the star was playing off local promoters in an attempt to secure higher fees.

But the promoter reportedly said discussions to resolve the matter dissolved after the documentary series Surviving R. Kelly aired in the US last week, which spoke to alleged victims and their families.

"Big Music Tour can confirm contracts were in place with R. Kelly and his management for the Australian tour," the promoters told Sydney Morning Herald. "We have been in discussion regarding the bizarre social media post denying the tour and had been working towards a resolution.

"However, given the current situation in R. Kelly's personal life and the controversy surrounding him, the promoters have decided not to move forward and are focusing on other events."

Big Music tour initially defended Kelly's New Zealand show after it was met with backlash, telling the New Zealand Herald they believed he was "innocent until proven guilty".

"We can confirm we are bringing R. Kelly to Australia," the company said. "Our focus remains on his incredible music and bringing the show to his Australian and New Zealand fans. Mr Kelly was cleared of all allegations and, in our view, you are innocent until proven guilty."

Lady Gaga and Celine Dion recently pulled their collaborations with R. Kelly from streaming services in light of the Surviving R. Kelly documentary.