Taylor Swift pulls out of controversial Melbourne Cup appearance

Taylor Swift will not perform at the Melbourne Cup. Photo / AP

American pop star Taylor Swift has cancelled her planned appearance at this year's Melbourne Cup.

Swift, 29, was set to perform two songs from her critically-acclaimed new album, Lover, ahead of the famous A$8 million race.

According to a statement from Mushroom Events and the Victoria Racing Club, a recent change to her promotional tour means the singer will no longer be able to perform at the race that stops a nation.

"Regrettably, Taylor is no longer able to make it to this year's Melbourne Cup," Michael Gudinski from Mushroom events said 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."

VRC Chief Executive Officer Neil Wilson said: "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".

The star's decision to perform at the race that stops the nation caused outrage among animal activists, who took to social media in an attempt to have the performance cancelled.

Following the announcement, the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses was quick to launch a social media campaign asking Swift to say #NupToTheCup.

"Taylor Swift has put money before compassion by agreeing to perform at the 2019 Melbourne Cup," the group posted.

"Horses are being killed for gambling profits and entertainment. If Taylor Swift cares at all about other animals the way she appears to care about cats, she will cancel her show and make a strong statement that animal abuse is unacceptable.

"Head on over to Twitter and politely ask @TaylorSwift13 to say #NupToTheCup," it read.

Swift had expressed her excitement over the big event in a statement published in the Herald Sun.

"I can't wait to come to Melbourne, and I can't wait to come to the Melbourne Cup," she said "I've heard so much about the race."

It was to be her only Australian performance.