Iggy Azalea pulls out of Pittsburgh Pride gig following backlash

Australian rapper Iggy Azalea has pulled out of a planned gig at the upcoming Pittsburgh Pride parade after facing objections from a number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) campaign groups.

The Fancy hitmaker was scheduled to perform for fans at the Pennsylvania event on Saturday (13Jun15), but some equal rights activists protested against her appearance by canceling theirs, claiming Azalea has previously been accused of making questionable comments on social media, which some have interpreted as homophobic and racist.

After weeks of controversy, Azalea released a statement on Monday (08Jun15) announcing she will not attend the gig as planned.

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."

The news of her axed gig comes days after Azalea canceled her U.S. tour to give herself a break from her hectic schedule.