Janet Jackson postpones Australian shows

Janet Jackson ... postponing Melbourne concerts.

Janet Jackson is returning to the United States immediately, causing her to postpone this week's concerts in Melbourne. 

"After private discussions with her family regarding her late brother Michael Jackson, it became necessary for Miss Jackson to leave Australia for the next several days," states the press release.

"I want to thank my fans in Australia for their love, support and understanding. When I planned these shows, the schedule in California was completely different. After talking with my family last night, I decided we must be together right now. I'm looking forward to being with you for the Gold Coast, Sydney, and the Melbourne concerts. You are all so important to me. This saddens me in so many ways. I love you," Jackson said in the statement.

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To ensure that Melbourne fans do not miss out on the Number Ones tour, the concerts scheduled for this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday are now planned to take place at Rod Laver Arena on November 3.  

According to the promoters, tickets for all of the Melbourne shows will be honoured at the November 3 concert.

“It is important that Janet is with her family at this critical point in the hearing. While Janet and our company apologise for any inconvenience for the reschedule of the Melbourne shows, we thank Janet for the great and successful concerts in Perth and Adelaide and eagerly await her return.  I’m sure the rescheduled concert on November 3 will be a very, very special night.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Janet and the entire Jackson family," promoter Paul Dainty said.

The concerts scheduled for the Gold Coast and Sydney are unaffected.

According to the press release all ticket holders from all three Melbourne performances will be contacted with their re-allocated seating shortly.

via smh.com.au