Live Nation announced that Pink's Aug. 3 show at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena had been postponed on Wednesday. "Pink is suffering from an upper respiratory infection and has received medical advice that she should not perform in order to facilitate her recovery," the press release explained. Pink also apologized for missing the show via Twitter:
Hi my Sydney friends. It is with great frustration that I bring you this news:( Friday’s show will be postponed. I was hoping a couple of days of rest would help me kick this sick, but not at the speed I was hoping for. I appreciate your well wishes and understanding + I’m sorry.
After being photographed on the beach in Byron Bay, Australia with her daughter, Willow, Pink faced some harsh backlash for cancelling the show. The paparazzi photo was published and the caption read "Pink's Sydney concert cancelled as she chills in Bryon Beach," implying she cancelled the show so she could relax and have some fun.
Pink took to Instagram on Thursday (August 2) to fire back at the accusation. You can read her passionate statement about the drama here:
I don’t need to clear this up, but out of respect for my fans I will attempt it. I scheduled this tour meticulously, trying to do what was best for my children, while also putting on the best and most physically demanding and beautiful show of my life. This break in Byron has been scheduled since 2017, as a way to get outside the hotel and the winter and have some time with my children. I’ve already been sick twice (kids as well)on this Australian tour, but the first time we got sick, I was able to push through. This time, what these parasite paparazzi don’t show you, is two doctor visits in Byron on two consecutive days, antibiotics, steroids, Vick’s, nose spray, throat spray, more steroids, NyQuil, a screaming baby in the middle of the night, every night, while mama gives him warm baths and tells her daughter everything is fine. You can think whatever you want, it’s your right, but I have never taken advantage of any one in my entire life. I have never fucked off while disrespecting hard working people who spend money to come see me play. I have never phoned in a single tour, I have an impeccable record for not cancelling. I mother with everything I have whilst handling all the rest. The snark in this is unbelievable and makes me long for a nicer world. I’m doing the absolute best I can, and you can believe it or not. What they don’t show you in this picture is me drinking water and lying down while my friends try to entertain my 7 year old who is asking me why these creepy men are surrounding us and pacing back and forth and taking pictures of her every move. I will see everyone tomorrow whether I’m better or not, and the postponed show will be rescheduled. As I said, I’m sorry to the real fans who this situation has affected. Onwards and upwards.
In the midst of the criticism, Justin Timberlake jumped in to defend his friend. "As an artist who has had the fortune of sharing the stage twice on tour with this incomparable BADASS, I'm here to tell you that you won't find a harder working, more authentically talented, and more thankful for her place on that stage and her fans than this woman."
He continued to point out that on top of being an amazing, hard working performer, Pink is also a mom of two kids on top of all that. "As a parent on tour, as well, and an artist who LOVES their fans just as much and wants to give them an unprecedented experience...AND is currently battling an injury, a sinus infection, and trying to be the Dad I want to be, too? I say HATS OFF to you, my friend...I don't know how Moms / Artists like you exist."
Pink made sure to reply to Justin's heartfelt comment with some kind words of her own. She called Justin a "genuine artist" who's "talented from the bottom of your toes." She also thanked him for giving her "a chance when I was 19 with one song under my belt." Pink concluded her message saying she'd "open for you anytime."
After reading these thoughtful, touching messages from Justin and Pink, I feel like I need them to collab ASAP. Until then, let's all take Justin's advice and "go make up some fodder about someone who's half-assin' it. NOT a real one." Or, you know, just don't make up rumors about people to start with? Just a thought!