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Following criticism of language deemed racist and homophobic by members of the LGBT community, Iggy Azalea has pulled out of Pittsburgh Pride and has cancelled the rest of her US tour.
The Australian rapper posted a message on Twitter to say she had decided not to perform on Sunday after a number of activists pointed out that Azalea had used slurs on social media in the past.
A message to Pittsburgh pic.twitter.com/Jm6ZyX0Xyc
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) June 9, 2015
In full, the statement reads: ‘I am truly disappointed that I have to share this news, but I will no longer be performing at Pittsburgh Pride on June 13th. This has been a difficult decision as I truly support the event and LGBTIQA communities, however I feel my participation at this point would only serve to further distract from the true purpose of the event. I am a firm believer in equality. Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have. The last thing I want is for something so carelessly said to be interpreted as reflective of my character. I meant no harm and deeply regret ever uttering those words. As an adult I would never use them because I understand they play a detrimental role in the fight for issues that I do truly believe in. I am sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed & I wish all my fans and friends participating in Pride the best of luck.’
However, the Pennsylvanian gig is not the only performance Azalea has cancelled – with the rest of her US tour also cancelled.
The news was released the day after Nick Young proposed to Azalea, which was also her birthday. Ellen DeGeneres was among the celebrities who wished her a happy birthday.
We both so fancy, they already know!! Love you @TheEllenShow https://t.co/JD4yAPFKj8
— IGGY AZALEA (@IGGYAZALEA) June 8, 2015
Meanwhile, The Delta Foundation which organises Pittsburgh Pride said, ‘We’re sorry that our headliner choice caused a division within our community, but we believe that change happens through conversation. We are meeting with key LGBT leaders to start a discussion that will make our collective community even stronger.’
The Foundation also added, ‘We are working on new entertainment, which we hope to announce shortly.’
