TORONTO — Iggy Azalea has pulled out of this weekend’s Pittsburgh Pride festival following criticism that she has made homophobic comments on social media.
The 25-year-old Australian rapper announced Monday on Twitter that she is cancelling her June 13 performance at the city’s LGBT celebration.
“Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have,” she admitted.
“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.”
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a number of community groups said they wouldn’t participate in the Pride parade to protest Azalea’s concert. The director of a youth advocacy group said inviting the rap star to perform was an “insensitive choice.”
Azalea has come under fire before for tweets that many claimed were homophobic and racist.
On Monday, she said appearing at Pittsburgh Pride “would only serve to further distract from the true purpose of the event.”
Azalea insisted she supports the event. “I am a firm believer in equality,” her message read.
“I am sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed & I wish all my fans and friends participating in Pride the best of luck.”
Azalea recently cancelled her The Great Escape tour but said she will still perform at the RBC Bluesfest in Ottawa on July 11 and the Festival d’été de Québec in Quebec City on July 12.
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