(CRI) "Regretfully, I must cancel my appearance on the Alibaba Double 11 due to a family emergency. I am very sorry to disappoint my fans and look forward to seeing you in China soon." So posted Katy Perry on her weibo late Thursday morning.
The official weibo account of the Alibaba Double 11 Gala confirmed the news an hour later saying that it was very sorry that "Katy Perry is not able to show up at the Gala. Double 11 is a festival for families to celebrate and we respect family values. We also hope Katy and her family can quickly overcome the hard days. Hope to see a happy Katy soon!"
The American pop star was named as the global ambassador for the Gala.
Some said that it was unfair on her fans who bought the tickets to meet her in person, but most fans expressed their concern on weibo, with one fan writing, "It's okay, my darling, waiting for your new world tour."
Oscar Awards and American Super Bowl director, David Hill will take control for the Double 11 Gala. A host of celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham couple, rock band One Republic, former basketballer Kobe Bryant, footballer Thomas Müller and other artists from Asia are already confirmed for the massive event.
The Double 11 Shopping Spree, devised by the Alibaba retailer, is China's online Black Friday. In 2015, trading volumes hit 91 trillion RMB (more than USD 14.3 trillion), 3 times more than online trading volume of Black Friday in America in the same year.
Source: CRI